SOLAR: An Iowa rural co-op is imposing one of the highest fixed charges in the nation; one farmer says it will force him to take down his solar panels. (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO:
• Solar advocates will be allowed to intervene in a Kansas rate case that seeks to raise fixed charges, in part, to help pay for coal plant upgrades. (Topeka Capital Journal)
• A proposed solar project would help power schools in Athens, Ohio. (Athens News)
• Neighbors, concerned about aesthetic impacts, push back against a proposed Minnesota community solar project. (Chisago County Press)
• A Michigan utility is planning a solar array at a cemetery in Ypsilanti. (MLive)
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INNOVATION: The Midwest is “chomping at the bit” for a clean energy revolution, according to participants at a recent Chicago summit. (Midwest Energy News)
NEWSMAKER: Former Exelon CEO John Rowe says “only Stalin” could get the U.S. to a zero-carbon economy, but he still has high hopes for clean energy. (Midwest Energy News)
UTILITIES: American Electric Power announces a quarterly profit of $430 million, then criticizes Ohio regulators for not approving income guarantees for some of its power plants. (Cleveland Columbus Dispatch)
COAL: A company that provides steam heat for downtown Cleveland buildings will switch from coal to gas. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
CLEAN POWER PLAN: A report finds the Clean Power Plan will result in lower overall energy bills. (The Hill)
PIPELINES:
• “Enbridge can go to hell” and other reflections from residents impacted by the 2010 Kalamazoo River oil spill. (InsideClimate News)
• A multi-state group of opponents is working together to oppose a proposed Bakken oil pipeline. (Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)
MICHIGAN: State regulators say it’s unlikely there will be a power shortfall next year. (Associated Press)
WIND: An Illinois wind farm wins approval from county officials after being rejected earlier this year. (Bloomington Pantagraph)
FRACKING:
• Activists pursue a community bill of rights in Carbondale, Illinois, to assert more local control over drilling-related activities. (Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)
• An analyst expects demand for Wisconsin frac sand to rebound. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
NUCLEAR:
• Wisconsin regulators approve grid upgrades for the state’s remaining nuclear plant. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• A Missouri nuclear plant is shut down for the second time in eight months. (Associated Press)
BIOMASS: A Wisconsin community reels from news a second power plant is shutting down. (Dubuque Telegraph Herald)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Illinois legislation pending the governor’s signature would impose a fine for parking a non-electric vehicle in an EV charging spot. (WLS)
• The mayor of Indianapolis is in a dispute with city council members over what type of contract the city’s electric car sharing service should operate under. (WFYI)
COMMENTARY: How Michigan can save money while cutting carbon. (MLive)