CLIMATE: A Minnesota city’s five-year climate action plan calls for swift action with measurable results, a contrast with longer-term plans adopted by many cities. (Energy News Network)

ALSO: A panel of climate experts says Wisconsin is making progress by retiring coal plants, though efforts could be moving faster and still lack support from Republican lawmakers. (Madison Capital Times)

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EFFICIENCY: Midwest cities show improvement in an annual energy efficiency scorecard as experts point to the region’s untapped potential. (Energy News Network)

POWER PLANTS:
• Ohio ratepayer advocates call on state regulators to allow for a possible refund of charges related to coal plant subsidies in HB 6. (WXVU)
• Two Ohio nuclear plants set to receive ratepayer subsidies are operating at costs higher than wholesale power prices, though that’s expected to reverse over the coming year as the subsidies kick in. (S&P Global)

UTILITIES: Most Wisconsin electric cooperatives have resumed utility disconnections as state regulators continue to prevent regulated utilities from doing so. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

CLEAN ENERGY: After a two year delay, a Minneapolis entrepreneur finally receives a $1.6 million grant to launch a clean energy job training program in an underserved and racially diverse neighborhood. (City Pages)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Analysts say major automakers walk a fine line as they promote the benefits of electric vehicles while still relying primarily on internal combustion models. (E&E News, subscription)

SOLAR: Developers say recent coal plant closures in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula make the area attractive for a large solar project. (Marquette Mining Journal)

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GRID: Some southern Michigan communities are unsure whether they will need additional local generation to meet reliability needs for grid operator MISO. (Coldwater Daily Reporter)

COMMENTARY:
• An Ohio state representative says “there is no reason” the state’s power plant bailout law “should not have already been repealed.” (Cincinnati Enquirer)
• In addition to repealing HB 6, Ohio lawmakers should consider reinstating the state’s clean energy standards, an editorial board writes. (Toledo Blade)
• A columnist says Illinois’ coal industry “had a long run,” but the power source is no longer economic as cleaner energy sources take over. (News-Gazette)