Extreme record heat is expected in the US this summer – here’s how you can help keep the electrical grid balanced to avoid blackouts and brownouts.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warned last month that “two-thirds of North America is at risk of energy shortfalls this summer during periods of extreme demand.”
So it’s crucial for the grid’s supply and demand to be balanced in order for it to work reliably, safely, and consistently. There are a number of things that consumers and businesses can do to help keep the lights (and AC) on.
Demand Response to avoid US blackouts
Demand Response is when organizations and homeowners reduce or shift their electricity usage during peak periods in response to time-based rates or other forms of financial incentives to balance supply and demand.
For example, many utilities make it cheaper for homeowners to charge EVs during off-peak hours as an incentive to alleviate stress on the grid.
Molly Jerrard, head of demand response for Enel North America, told Electrek in an interview:
Most American consumers take their electric supply for granted, but people are beginning to clue in and join programs.
With solutions like demand response, customers can improve the economics of their energy use by leveraging flexibility.
Ask your utility, What can I do as a consumer to contribute? You can work with Enel North America or another demand response provider, too.
Distributed Energy Resources
The US also needs to continue to adopt distributed energy resources (DERs) to avoid blackouts and brownouts, such as rooftop solar and battery storage, that feeds back into the grid. A DER is a small-scale power generation unit that operates locally and is connected to a larger power grid at the distribution level.
Customers that have DERs usually pay less for their electricity because they sell power back to the grid.
One example of a DER is Green Mountain Power’s Tesla Powerwall program in Vermont, in which customers share power in their Powerwalls with GMP during peak energy times, and they also have backup energy storage if the power does go out. Customers lease two Powerwalls from GMP for $55 a month. It’s proven so popular that it’s booked until 2025, so GMP have asked to have the cap removed on the number of customers that can enroll per year (it’s currently at 500).
Check with your utility to see what kinds of programs they offer – doing your part to achieve grid resilience is worth it.
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Amazon’s Prime Day is in full swing through the rest of the week, and we’ve got a jam-packed edition of Green Deals for you today from the first round of savings that we’ve spotted so far, with all the rest being added to our Prime Day Green Deals hub here, which we’ll be updating regularly. Leading the pack is the preorder launch of Lectric’s new XP Trike2 that is getting $227 in free gear at $1,499 through July 28th. We also have some EcoFlow direct-website Prime Day savings, like the DELTA Pro 3 bundle with a 400W panel and a transfer switch at a new $2,849 low, among others. There’s also the new low price hitting Segway’s Xafari e-bike for $2,000, while the Xyber e-bike is down at $3,000. All that and much more are waiting for you below.
Lectric launches new and improved XP Trike2 with $227 in free gear for preorder at $1,499
As part of Lectric’s newly launched Better Than Prime Sale, the brand is offering preorder savings on its all-new XP Trike2 that comes with $227 in free gear at $1,499 shipped, while the upgraded 750 model won’t be available for preorder until September. This bundle would normally cost $1,726 in full, but as most folks know, the brand tends to provide discounts on the bundled items over actual price cuts. This all-new commuting solution is getting the first chance at savings through July 28th, when it is slated to begin shipping. Along with the eTrike, you’ll be getting a wider saddle with a supporting backrest, an Elite headlight, and a suspension seat post. Head below to learn more about this model and its upcoming 750 variant too.
The next generation of one of the most popular eTrikes on the market, especially amongst older riders, Lectric’s new XP Trike2 cruises onto the scene with a Stealth M24 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,092W) that runs quieter than normal motors, as well as a 624Wh battery. This combination provides top speeds of 14 MPH and a travel range of up to 50 miles on a single charge when the five PAS levels are activated. If you haven’t ridden in a while and want to take things slow, there is a power-limiting preset feature that dials down its max speed until you’re ready.
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There’s a bunch of notable upgrades coming with the Lectric XP Trike2, like the Cloud 50 suspension fork to take pressure off your joints, as well as hydraulic brakes for guaranteed stopping power, a headlight and taillight that provides amber side lighting, turn signals, brake lighting, plus reflective tires – all in the name of keeping you seen and safe. You’ll also be getting puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each, a 20A internal controller with an IPX5 water-resistance rating, parking brakes, a rear cargo rack with a 75-pound payload, a half-twist throttle, a new TFT LCD display, keyless riding functionality, and more.
Now, if you want to hold off for the upgraded Lectric XP Trike2 750 model, there are a few key differences to consider. First, it will be available at $1,799 shipped come September, with a larger 840Wh battery and Stealth M24 750W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,310W) that provide increased 17 MPH top speeds and a travel range up to 70 miles with the pedal assistance activated. From there, the big changeup comes from the inclusion of the brand’s Quick Switch tech that allows you to switch between cadence and torque sensors.
Get $2,448 in savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro 3 bundle with a 400W panel and transfer switch at new $2,849 low
EcoFlow has switched to its full Prime Day Sale event running through July 11 with up to 62% discounts (and a bonus 5% savings) across a massive lineup of units. Three offers can be found only on the brand’s direct site, with the biggest deal amongst them being the DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station bundled with a 400W solar panel and transfer switch for $2,849.05 shipped, after using the code EFPDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package would normally run you $5,297 at full price, which we’ve only seen brought as low as $3,499 back in its Memorial Day sale. The deal here gives you more savings than ever, putting $2,448 back in your pocket for the best new price we have tracked.
Segway’s Xafari and Xyber e-bikes with Apple Find My, proximity locking, more are starting from a new $2,000 low
Running parallel to Amazon’s Prime Day Sale event, Segway has some limited-time discounts of up to $400 on its two new e-bikes. Through July 11, you can score the Xafari e-bike at $1,999.99 shipped, while the Xyber e-bike is down at $2,999.99 shipped. Normally fetching $2,400 and $3,300, respectively, we’ve only seen previous post-launch discounts hitting these models once before at the top of June, when their prices were brought down to $2,200 and $3,000. While the low price is returning for the Xyber e-bike, the Xafari is seeing even lower pricing for this event that saves you $400 off the tag at the new best rate we have tracked.
Save $600 on ECOVACS’ AI-supported Goat A2500 robot mower at new $1,100 low for Prime Day
As part of its Prime Day event, Amazon is offering the price yet on the new ECOVACS Goat A2500 RTK Robot Lawn Mower dropping to $1,199.99 shipped during this event. This new model has spent most of the time since its release earlier in the year keeping to its $2,000 full price, which we’ve seen brought down as low as $1,500 with discounts so far. During this seasonal event, we’re seeing things go even lower thanks to the 30% markdown that is cutting $600 off the tag, landing it at the best price we have tracked.
Anker’s new modular SOLIX F3000 3,072Wh LiFePO4 station gets up to $2,599 increased savings from a new $1,599 low
Anker SOLIX has officially launched its full Prime Day Sale with up to 57% discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more through July 11. Among the deals we’re seeing, the brand’s new SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station is getting increased savings up to 2,599 off, with things starting at the solo power station for $1,519.05 shipped, after using the code PDSG5OFF at checkout. which is also matching in price at Amazon. Outside of these initial savings, this new unit will carry a $2,599 price tag, which is reduced from the $900 $1,080 markdown that lands it at a new low price. What’s more, the brand is also offering reduced add-on accessory discounts (on the station’s landing page), giving folks the chance to pick up the home backup kit for just $99 (normally $399) and/or the 120V generator input adapter at $49 (normally $99) – adding on an additional $350 savings should you take the opportunity.
Get the full rundown on what you can expect from this new model, as well as the pricing on its bundles in our original coverage here.
Get $2,200+ savings on Greenworks’ 60V Crossover-Z riding mower with six 8Ah batteries at a new $2,797 low
As part of its Prime Day Competitor Sale, Walmart is offering the best pricing yet on the Greenworks 60V Crossover-Z 42-inch Cordless Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower with six 8Ah batteries and three dual port turbo chargers at $2,797 shipped. Normally, this package would run you $5,600 direct from the brand’s website, where it’s currently marked down to $5,319, but fetches $4,997 at Walmart. The already significant difference in price only gets better with the $2,200 markdown we’re seeing during this sale that beats out all the pricing we’ve seen up until today to land it at a new all-time low. You won’t find this package at Amazon, where only the bundle with four 8Ah batteries is offered – plus, that’s sitting nearly $1,000 higher in price, so you’re getting a lot more here for a lot less.
Get $100 in first savings on Aiper’s IrriSense smart irrigation system that covers 4,800 square feet at $600
Through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering the first chance at savings on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System at $599.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $100 off coupon, with the price matching direct from the brand’s website. This new device just hit the scene back in May with a $700 price tag, with the deal we’re seeing here from both Amazon and the brand’s direct site being the first chance at cash savings that we have tracked. You’ll be able to upgrade your irrigation with a smarter alternative at $100 off while it lasts, setting the bar for future deals down the line.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
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Ford has a new idea to help you save this summer: $0 down payment, 0% interest, and zero payments for the first 90 days. The new summer sales promo is available on most Ford and Lincoln models. Those buying an electric vehicle can also score a free home EV charger.
In April, Ford launched the “From America, For America” campaign, offering employee pricing to all. According to Ford, the offer helped make it the number one selling brand in America in the first half of 2025.
Despite the success, Ford is shaking it up for the second half of the year. Starting July 8, Ford is transitioning to its new “Zero, Zero, Zero” offer.
The summer sales promo features a $0 down payment, 0% interest for 48 months, and zero payments for the first 90 days on most Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
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Although the employee pricing plan turned out to be a success, Ford dealers said buyers could benefit from less out-of-pocket expenses.
Those shopping for an EV can also score a free home charge. Ford extended its Power Promise program through September 30.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)
The program offers buyers a free Level 2 home charger (plus standard installation) and other perks like 24/7 live electric vehicle support, roadside assistance, and an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.
Despite strong overall sales in the second quarter, Ford’s EV sales fell by nearly a third. Ford spokesperson Martin Gunsberg told Electrek the lower EV sales were due to the Mustang Mach-E recall and changeover to the 2025 model year. “Our dealers can’t sell what they don’t have,” he said.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (Source: Ford)
Although the Trump administration is ending the federal EV tax credit, you still have until September 30 to snag the savings on eligible models.
Ready to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find deals on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning at a dealer near you.
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We are selling 500 shares of Coterra Energy at roughly $25.56 each. Following the trade, Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust will own 2,600 shares, decreasing our weighting to about 1.80% from about 2.17%. We’ve recently made several sales in winners, trimming our positions in Goldman Sachs , Broadcom , Disney , and CrowdStrike , as well as Eaton , following some significant moves to new highs. However, limiting sales to winners is a cardinal sin of managing a portfolio. If you never sell the bad ones in a portfolio, you’ll be stuck waiting for a bunch of underperforming stocks to improve and risk missing out on better opportunities. Coterra has not gotten going this year like we thought it would have. It had too much natural gas when the market wanted oil, and through a couple of acquisitions late last year, it’s now got too much oil when the market wants natural gas. The stock also got hit when the company’s oil volumes were impacted by an operational miscue at one of its sites. The company moved quickly to address this problem, but it caught us by surprise because we always thought of Coterra as excellent operator. We’ve also owned Coterra as a “hedge” against geopolitical risk. Our thinking was that if something happened geopolitically that caused oil prices to spike, we’d be glad to have a stock that was up in what would likely be a bad day for the rest of the market. That played out in June through the Iran-Israel conflict, but Coterra couldn’t hold onto its gains as oil prices retreated. With Coterra Energy shares up nearly 3% on Tuesday, we see an opportunity to balance our sales of winners with a trim of stock that has been very disappointing over the past few years. Lastly, we are downgrading our Coterra rating to a 3, meaning sell into strength. From this sale, we will realize a disappointing loss of about 11% on stock purchased in 2022. (Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust is long CTRA. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.