Big Utilities' Climate Grades Plummet to Failing Average for First Time

Breaking News: Big Utilities' Climate Performance Worsens The Sierra Club's annual scorecard has revealed a disturbing trend among the US electric utility industry. For the first time, the country's largest utilities collectively earned an aggregate grade of F for their commitment to a clean-energy transition. This marks a significant regression from previous years, with most utilities shedding gains made during the Biden administration. Timeline of Decline Since 2021, the Sierra Club has been tracking utility companies' progress towards transitioning away from fossil fuels. Initially, some utilities showed promise in reducing emissions and investing in renewable energy sources. However, over the past five years, this momentum has stalled. The latest report highlights a concerning trend: almost none of these companies are on track to meet the necessary speed and scale to combat climate change. Immediate Impact The Sierra Club's findings have sparked concerns among environmental advocates and policymakers. "It's very disappointing to find we're at a lower score than in the first year," said a spokesperson for the organization. The report's release coincides with growing pressure on utilities to accelerate their transition to carbon-free energy sources. Background Context The Sierra Club's grading system assesses utility companies based on factors such as their renewable energy portfolio, greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, and investments in clean technologies. While some individual utilities have made notable progress, the collective performance of the industry has stagnated. The report emphasizes that meeting climate goals requires a rapid shift away from fossil fuels. What's Next The Sierra Club is urging policymakers to hold utility companies accountable for their environmental commitments. As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, it remains to be seen whether these companies will respond to growing pressure and accelerate their transition to clean energy sources. The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action in the electric utility sector. Sources Sierra Club's "The Dirty Truth" report Canary Media collaboration with Climate Desk *This story is developing. Information compiled from Motherjones reporting.*