TRANSMISSION: How the aging power grid is holding back wind development. (McClatchy)

ALSO: Burying power lines rarely makes economic sense in urban areas, but in rugged and outage-prone northern Wisconsin, it may be worth the expense. (Midwest Energy News)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Inspiring Efficiency Awards recognize Midwest leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency. Apply or provide a nomination today.***

KEYSTONE XL: Another Enbridge project seeks to beat Keystone XL to the Gulf Coast, the State Department’s internal watchdog investigates whether a contractor hired for an environmental analysis of Keystone XL had a conflict of interest with TransCanada, while a stockpile of pipes for the project has been sitting in North Dakota for more than two years. (InsideClimate News, The Hill, Forum News Service)

OIL: Lightning strikes have caused a series of fires and small oil spills in North Dakota over the past three months. (Associated Press)

FRACKING: Gas leaks from shale wells are rare, another Ohio town considers a fracking ban, and Michigan officials cite a drilling company for a minor brine spill. (Columbus Dispatch, Youngstown Vindicator, Associated Press)

NUCLEAR: Xcel Energy seeks a rate increase in Minnesota to pay for nuclear plant upgrades and other infrastructure. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

NATURAL GAS: A Cedar Falls, Iowa convenience store becomes the latest to offer compressed natural gas, a sign of the fuel’s increasing popularity as a gasoline alternative. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)

SOLAR: Tired of $1,500 electric bills, an Ohio couple install a massive solar array to power their 8,000 square foot home. (Columbus Dispatch)

CLIMATE: Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm will be in Muskegon today as part of a 27-state bus tour to rally support for climate action. (MLive.com)

COMMENTARY: Who’s going to pay for global warming? (Forbes)