NOTE TO READERS: The Energy News Network will be taking a two-week break for the holidays. Midwest Energy News will return on Monday, January 4. Thank you for your support this year!
SOLAR: Ohio’s solar market is booming because of inexpensive land and high corporate renewable energy demand and despite years of hostility toward renewables from policymakers. (Inside Climate News)
ALSO:
• A northern Wisconsin public utility advances plans to build a community solar project, which would be its first new generation project in decades. (Superior Telegram)
• McClean County in central Illinois is the state’s leading renewable energy producer and has attracted particular interest from solar developers. (WJBC)
• An Illinois school district considers installing solar on district buildings to help lower utility costs. (Journal Courier)
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POLITICS: Records show that Michigan utilities donated more than $50,000 to intra-party rivals of a Democratic lawmaker who was critical of the companies, which advocates say shows how industries strategically target campaign donations to influence the legislature. (Energy News Network)
POLICY:
• Ohio lawmakers extend their year-end lame-duck session after failing to reach an agreement on several bills, including whether to delay the state’s power plant subsidy law. (Cleveland.com)
• President-elect Joe Biden formally announces his plan to nominate former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as energy secretary. (Detroit News)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Wisconsin regulators vote 2-1 to create a framework for voluntary utility electric vehicle plans. (Wisconsin State Journal)
UTILITIES: Michigan regulators approve a $134 million rate increase for Consumers Energy to support grid infrastructure spending and improving reliability. (Detroit News)
BIOFUELS: U.S. biofuel producers seeking federal relief will shift their focus from Congress to presumptive incoming Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. (E&E News, subscription)
COMMENTARY:
• Grid infrastructure investments that favor distributed generation and non-wires alternatives will be key for Michigan to achieve ambitious emission-reduction targets, an advanced energy group says. (Energy News Network)
• Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois have each made gains in clean energy policy and development despite the challenges of 2020, advocates say. (Union of Concerned Scientists)
• Business advocates say Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine should nominate a new Public Utilities Commission member “who will lead with integrity and vision for the future.” (Crain’s Cleveland Business)