SOLAR: Despite only one project being built in the first year of the program, a Minnesota utility expects the pace of community solar to pick up significantly in 2016. (Midwest Energy News)

CLEANTECH: The new CEO of the Chicago-based Clean Energy Trust explains how the organization advances the clean energy economy and how the Midwest can play a leadership role. (Midwest Energy News)

***SPONSORED LINK: Rocky Mountain Institute’s e-Lab Accelerator is calling on America’s most innovative teams at the forefront of the electricity transformation looking to take projects to the next level. See if your project is eligible for this invitation-only event April 24—27. ***

CLIMATE:
• U.S. negotiators in Paris are trying to convince other nations to not make a deal on emissions cuts subject to international law, which would require Senate approval. (Greenwire)
• As time winds down, potential for an agreement grows. (ClimateWire)

COAL:
• Wisconsin regulators approve a utility’s plan to sell one of its coal plants to a hospital to convert to a natural gas plant. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Michigan researchers say carbon capture is too costly. (Michigan Radio)

CHOICE: Public school officials in Michigan say Retail Open Access saves them $15 million a year. (MLive)

RENEWABLES: Electric co-ops in Michigan are exceeding the state’s renewable energy standard. (Mr. Great Lakes)

BATTERIES: Firefighters warn of the risks posed by widespread adoption of in-home energy storage. (EnergyWire)

OIL AND GAS: A legal debate is rekindled over whether the government is obligated to sell publicly owned minerals whose burning could exacerbate climate change. (Greenwire)

NUCLEAR: The U.S. nuclear industry looks to cut costs 30 percent by 2018. (Platts)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Grid Modernization Forum, January 19-20 in Chicago is a focused industry conference examining the integration of renewables, energy storage, microgrids, engaging the customer, and key regulatory issues.  Enter “ME-News” when registering for 10% off.  ***

ADVOCACY: Consumer advocates are fighting a plan in Ohio by AEP to cut spending in half for a program to help low-income customers weatherize their homes. (Columbus Dispatch)

COMMENTARY:
• Ohio regulators should reject FirstEnergy’s “bailout” plan. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• University of Michigan officials should pursue fossil-fuel divestment. (Michigan Daily)