Midwest Energy News

Wisconsin co-op to close coal plant next year

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COAL: Analysts say DTE Energy runs coal plants even when electricity prices don’t cover their costs to operate, a practice known as self-scheduling that costs its customers tens of millions of dollars a year. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:
• Dairyland Power Cooperative announces plans to close a 345 MW coal plant in western Wisconsin by the end of next year. (La Crosse Tribune)
• A company stops production at an Indiana coal facility, citing “weak market conditions.” (WTHI)
• The Indiana Republican behind a bill to stall coal plant closures says “we need coal to survive” as utilities transition to gas and renewables. (E&E News, subscription)

***SPONSORED LINK: MEEA invites you to Chicago, February 26-28 for the 19th annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference. At the Midwest’s premier energy efficiency conference, you’ll join industry leaders for three days of panels, workshops, networking opportunities and celebrations of industry successes.***

PIPELINES: North Dakota regulators signal they will not impose conditions beyond those required by the federal government on a plan to double the capacity of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Midwest Energy News

Opponents drop effort to repeal Ohio nuclear, coal bailout

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POWER PLANTS: An effort to repeal Ohio’s bailout for nuclear and coal plants is dead after organizers drop their court appeals. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

ALSO: Midwest utilities are vulnerable to extreme heat and flooding, according to a Moody’s report that cites plants owned by Ameren and AES, as well as Xcel Energy plants in the Southwest. (Utility Dive, Star Tribune)

***SPONSORED LINK: MEEA invites you to Chicago, February 26-28 for the 19th annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference. At the Midwest’s premier energy efficiency conference, you’ll join industry leaders for three days of panels, workshops, networking opportunities and celebrations of industry successes.***

POLICY:
• Critics say a ruling by federal regulators could price many renewables out of the PJM capacity market while driving up prices for consumers. (Energy News Network)
• PJM says the ruling “may have paradoxically unintended consequences over time and may result in less economic efficiency.” (Utility Dive)

COAL:
• A bill meant to stall coal plant retirements and the shift to gas and renewables in Indiana moves out of committee to the House floor.

Midwest Energy News

Legal agreement would allow Tesla to sell, service cars in Michigan

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Environmental groups call on Michigan lawmakers to revise annual fees on hybrid and electric vehicles that advocates say are unfair. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:
• For the first time, Tesla would be allowed to sell and service its vehicles in Michigan under an agreement that settles a 2016 lawsuit against the state. (Associated Press)
• The push for more electric vehicles in Wisconsin will continue as utilities seek rebates that would help with the build-out of charging stations. (WUWM)

***SPONSORED LINK: MEEA invites you to Chicago, February 26-28 for the 19th annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference. At the Midwest’s premier energy efficiency conference, you’ll join industry leaders for three days of panels, workshops, networking opportunities and celebrations of industry successes.***

POLICY:
• New subsidies for Ohio nuclear and coal plants would add to ratepayer costs under a recent federal ruling impacting grid operator PJM.

Midwest Energy News

Indiana coal ‘bailout’ bill would harm utility customers, groups say

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COAL: Consumer advocates and environmental groups say proposed Indiana legislation to bail out coal plants would cost ratepayers and stall utility coal retirement plans. (Indianapolis Star)

ALSO:
• Xcel Energy says running two of its four coal generators on a part-time basis would save ratepayers money and reduce carbon emissions. (Star Tribune)
• A documentary screening this week focuses on neighbors of We Energies coal plants in eastern Wisconsin. (Racine Journal Times)
• Officials with Murray Energy decline to say why the company is no longer a member of the National Mining Association. (E&E News, subscription)

***SPONSORED LINK: The 4th Annual Smart Cities International Symposium & Exhibition, January 21-22, 2020 in Chicago brings together thought leaders and practitioners from around the world to explore recent advances in making the Smart City a reality.

Midwest Energy News

Wisconsin regulators approve plans for $700 million natural gas plant

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NATURAL GAS: Wisconsin regulators approve plans for a $700 million natural gas plant despite concerns from clean energy advocates and a state agency. (Wisconsin State Journal)

ALSO: Minnesota regulators say Xcel Energy can purchase a $650 million gas plant through a subsidiary that won’t put ratepayers at risk. (Star Tribune)

***SPONSORED LINK: The 4th Annual Smart Cities International Symposium & Exhibition, January 21-22, 2020 in Chicago brings together thought leaders and practitioners from around the world to explore recent advances in making the Smart City a reality. Register today!***

COAL:
• Iowa regulators will require an analysis of Interstate Power & Light’s coal fleet as part of a recent rate case decision. (Energy News Network)
• After more than a decade, two companies abandon plans to build a $2.2 billion coal plant in Kansas.