SOLAR: As Illinois utilities reach higher levels of distributed solar, clean energy advocates raise concerns about the process of transitioning from net metering to a localized value-of-solar rate. (Energy News Network)
ALSO:
• The Kansas Supreme Court’s recent ruling that fees for customer-owned solar are discriminatory could have an impact in other states as advocates challenge utility assertions that these customers are “free riders.” (Utility Dive)
• A Cleveland suburb is expected to approve a power purchase agreement for rooftop solar installations on three city-owned buildings. (Cleveland.com)
• County officials in northwestern Indiana are expected to consider a resolution for a proposed 1,400-acre solar project. (Chicago Tribune)
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EFFICIENCY: Columbus last month adopted Ohio’s first energy efficiency benchmarking ordinance, which experts say is likely to reduce energy usage as the city grows. (Energy News Network)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Auto analysts see challenges ahead for electric vehicle startups that are seeking capital and customer demand for products during the industry slow-down caused by the coronavirus. (Detroit News)
COAL:
• Murray Energy says it needs “substantial cash” to continue its restructuring, and its financing troubles during bankruptcy are a sign that banks are reluctant to make even the safest bets on coal. (E&E News, subscription)
• Developers look to repurpose a former Indiana coal mine into a craft distillery. (Inside Indiana Business)
EMISSIONS: Ann Arbor, Michigan, officials are considering dedicated taxes, various fundraising and “green bonds” to help pay for the city’s $1 billion carbon neutrality plan. (MLive)
GRID: The coronavirus has brought a daunting challenge for grid operators that need to balance power supply with demand while avoiding unnecessary costs for consumers. (E&E News, subscription)
OIL & GAS:
• Marathon will take hydraulic fracturing “holidays” and Continental will suspend its quarterly dividend and further cut crude production in North Dakota as demand plummets during the coronavirus pandemic. (Williston Herald)
• Lawmakers from oil-producing states have mobilized over the past few weeks to help companies in their region and avoid further problems for displaced workers. (E&E News, subscription)
TRANSPORTATION:
• A Minnesota auto dealers group claims car prices would increase and fewer trucks would be delivered if the state adopts California’s clean car standards aimed at reducing transportation emissions. (Alexandria Echo Press)
• Voters in 11 western Wisconsin counties approve a ballot measure that provides $48.8 million for an area technical college, including funding electric and alternative-fuel vehicle research. (WEAU)
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WIND: More than 1,600 tons of wind turbine components arrive at an Indiana port as part of the first shipment of the season. (Michigan City News-Dispatch)
COMMENTARY: Clean energy supporters see “incremental progress” with DTE Energy’s long-term clean energy plans, but raise concerns about splitting up components among multiple cases. (Union of Concerned Scientists)