UTILITIES: Critics in Michigan say a DTE Energy executive compensation mechanism incentivizes the prolonged use of fossil fuel plants while such incentives should be linked to decarbonization. (Energy News Network)
ALSO:
• The Omaha Public Power District is moving too quickly to build backup natural gas power plants while stalling on solar development, critics say. (Energy News Network)
• DTE Energy is reportedly considering selling off its natural gas pipelines and other non-utility operations. (Bloomberg)
***SPONSORED LINK: MnSEIA’s 7th annual Gateway to Solar conference is next week! Join us Oct. 12-13 for a SEIA State Chapter Roundtable, keynotes such as Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minnesota State Legislators, D&I training for energy professionals, and much more.***
COAL:
• At least two companies express interest in buying the Coal Creek power plant in North Dakota — scheduled to close in 2022 — along with an accompanying transmission line to Minnesota. (Bismarck Tribune)
• The Energy Information Administration predicts a rise in coal generation and energy-sector carbon emissions next year. (Utility Dive)
WIND:
• Clean energy advocates see room for wind energy growth in Iowa that could double the roughly 9,000 wind-sector jobs already there over the next decade. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• A 103 MW wind project is now operational in western South Dakota. (Rapid City Journal)
OHIO:
• A former Ohio legislature candidate files a $1 million defamation lawsuit against former House Speaker Larry Householder, FirstEnergy and others allegedly involved in a bribery scheme. (Cleveland.com)
• A Republican state lawmaker says most legislators were unaware about the workings of an alleged bribery scheme to pass a bill subsidizing nuclear and coal plants. (Athens News)
POWER PLANTS:
• Ongoing coal and nuclear plant closures in the Midwest are expected to provide more opportunity for gas-fired generation. (S&P Global)
• Ohio State University officials defend plans for a natural gas-powered combined heat and power plant after criticism that the school should rely more on renewables. (The Lantern)
• New natural gas plants planned in the PJM Interconnection face a growing list of headwinds that have resulted in delays for several projects. (Utility Dive)
RENEWABLES: Columbus, Ohio, voters will decide next month whether to approve an energy aggregation program through AEP that would quickly boost the city’s renewable energy supply. (Columbus Dispatch)
***SPONSORED LINK: Start Your Day with CGA on October 9! Join us for a conversation with Miranda Ballentine, CEO, REBA, on Delivering a Renewable Energy Future and Transforming the Energy Marketplace for C&I Customers. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ARE FREE! Click here to Register.***
POLITICS: Indiana gubernatorial candidates vary widely on issues involving climate change and clean energy. (Indianapolis Star)
OIL & GAS: A U.S. government watchdog agency criticizes the Trump administration for COVID-19 relief given to oil and gas companies that fails to show how much was given or if it benefits taxpayers. (Associated Press)