Total Energy News – August 2026

A few items worth knowing about this month. The U.S. Department of Energy has taken down its online energy-saving tips, shortly after proposing a rule to end appliance efficiency standards. If you relied on those federal resources for guidance on cutting home energy use, you'll need to look elsewhere, including your state's own programs.

On the solar side, ten states have now legalized plug-in solar panels — small systems that connect directly to a standard wall outlet without needing permits or an electrician. This could make small-scale solar more accessible for renters or homeowners who don't want a full rooftop installation, though availability depends on where you live. Separately, a new federal ban targets "new" foreign-made inverters (the equipment that converts solar panel or battery power for home use) on national security grounds. Existing inverters already installed appear unaffected, but future equipment options could be more limited.

In Vermont, new state data show fossil fuel price spikes tied to the Iran conflict cost residents an extra $160.4 million on gasoline, diesel, and heating oil between March and June, money that otherwise could have gone toward food, housing, or health care. It's a reminder that homes still burning fossil fuels for heat or transportation remain exposed to sudden global price swings, while electric alternatives like heat pumps aren't affected by oil and gas markets the same way. Vermont also updated its statewide energy dashboard, tracking adoption of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric vehicles, and home weatherization (sealing and insulating a house to cut energy waste) by town and county, for anyone curious how their area compares.