MISSOURI: Smart meter programs are helping Evergy and Ameren Missouri roll out new customer rate programs that incentivize saving energy during peak times. (Energy News Network)
UTILITIES: Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan declines to testify before a legislative committee investigating possible disciplinary action over his alleged ties to the ComEd bribery scandal. (CBS Chicago)
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WIND:
• A North Dakota oil company pursues wind energy development and a job training program to diversify its revenue and retain workers. (Williston Herald)
• Questions about mitigating bird collisions still linger over plans for the first Great Lakes offshore wind project in Lake Erie. (WKSU)
• The Ohio Power Siting Board holds a public hearing this week on a plan to build a commercial wind project in two northern Ohio counties. (Toledo Blade)
PIPELINES: Despite a recent agreement, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s lawsuit seeking to decommission the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac is still open and active. (Michigan Advance)
SOLAR:
• Minnesota solar developers claim Xcel Energy is stalling new projects through delays in its interconnection process. (Star Tribune)
• A northern Illinois community college will soon start installing solar panels on several campus rooftops that will meet nearly 20% of its electricity needs. (Daily Herald)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Ameren Missouri has approval to begin installing electric vehicle charging stations that will be part of a planned multi-state network with other utilities. (St. Louis Public Radio)
CLIMATE: Michigan’s 2050 carbon neutral goal is likely to reshape the way utilities develop long-range energy plans to include carbon emissions. (Michigan Radio)
NUCLEAR:
• Decommissioning is underway at Iowa’s only nuclear plant, which opted not to restart after being damaged in a strong storm last month. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• Local officials form a panel in support of keeping open an Exelon nuclear plant in northern Illinois the utility said may close in a year. (SaukValley.com)
CLEAN ENERGY: A northern Michigan resort owner who has championed clean energy and climate action says the power grid needs to be overhauled to accommodate renewable energy. (Northern Express)
COMMENTARY:
• A board member for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says Sen. Joni Ernst has been an ally for the industry amid uncertainty over fuel blending exemptions for small oil refiners. (Telegraph Herald)
• The leaders of two Cleveland-based foundations say the state’s recovery from the pandemic crisis “may depend on” investing in advanced energy. (Crains’ Cleveland Business)