UTILITIES:
• Appalachian Power plans to source 6 percent of its power from renewable energy by 2030 as critics call for more. (WVTF Public Radio)
• Florida Power & Light’s bid to build a natural gas-fueled power plant draws the ire of opponents who claim it’s not needed. (WRLN Public Radio)
• A large bank says the odds of Florida-based NextEra Energy acquiring Hawaiian Electric are now 50-50. (Pacific Business News)
• What utilities should watch for at the Paris climate talks. (Utility Dive)
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SOLAR:
• Google’s decision to buy renewable energy from Duke Energy at rates higher than those charged to similar customers sets an example for future clean energy purchases. (Charlotte Business Journal)
• Southern Co. turns its eyes toward solar acquisitions in Texas. (Birmingham Business Journal)
• Florida economists estimate that a proposed, utility-backed, solar amendment to the state’s Constitution would not impact local or state government spending. (Saint Peters Blog)
• Reporters take a video tour of sprawling solar farms in North Carolina. (Charlotte Business Journal)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
• Homes that generate as much power as they use are becoming possible with proper orientations and new technologies. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
• A student competition at Virginia Tech spotlights efforts to conserve electricity and boost recycling. (Collegiate Times)
• Energy efficiency could significantly reduce costs of cutting carbon. (Energy Efficiency Markets)
CLEAN POWER PLAN: Advocates and opponents differ sharply over the costs to comply. (ClimateWire)
BIOFUELS: An embattled EPA sets biofuels production targets for 2016. (The Washington Post)
GRID: Concerns vary after an imaginary assault on the nation’s power grid and the release of a book outlining various threats. (EnergyWire)
COAL: Appalachia grasps for hope as the future of coal grows bleaker. (Associated Press)
BLANKENSHIP TRIAL: Jurors finish a seventh day of deliberations without issuing a long-awaited verdict. (WSAZ)
COMMENTARY:
• Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vows to undercut any pledge by President Obama at the Paris climate talks beginning today. (The Washington Post)
• The most important climate action the U.S. and other nations can take is to thaw the freeze on nuclear power. (The New York Times)
• First Solar is among a growing list of companies set to develop solar projects in several Southeast states. (Seeking Alpha)