UTILITIES: NextEra recently approached Duke Energy about a possible takeover, which was rejected but could still be pursued later, according to people familiar with the matter. (Wall Street Journal, subscription)

ALSO:
• As Florida Power and Light sought to buy Jacksonville’s municipal utility, executives discussed donating to charities associated with city council members. (Florida Times-Union)
• Texas-based Vistra announces sweeping plans to expand solar and storage and sideline coal plants on its way to net-zero emissions. (E&E News, subscription)
• Florida utilities oppose advocates’ call for a moratorium on shutoffs during the pandemic as up to 1 million customers with unpaid bills face disconnections. (Tampa Bay Times, The Center Square)

COAL: A federal judge blocks a proposed joint venture between two of the world’s largest private coal companies, Peabody Energy and Arch Resources. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

EMISSIONS: A consultant’s report concludes that San Antonio’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 may not be possible. (San Antonio Express-News)

WIND: Offshore wind could create more than 5,000 jobs and an estimated $740 million economic impact in Virginia, a new analysis finds. (Virginia Business)

SOLAR:
• A Florida county postpones a meeting on a proposed solar farm after hundreds of residents lose power during the hybrid virtual/in-person meeting. (Gainesville Sun)
• A nonprofit solar co-op launches a program in Dallas to provide resources to residents interested in renewable energy options. (Dallas Morning News)

BUILDINGS:
• A zoning proposal in Richmond, Virginia, would increase building height limits to encourage transit-oriented development. (WTVR)
• Arkansas colleges consider public-private partnerships to help pay for the cost of upgrading utility infrastructure and improving efficiency. (Arkansas Business)

OIL & GAS: A constitutional amendment on Louisiana’s ballot could lower the tax burden for liquified gas terminals and refineries. (E&E News, subscription)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Dominion Energy announces new rebates for electric vehicle charging stations for apartment buildings, workplaces and transit depots. (news release)

COMMENTARY:
• Tallahassee’s city manager says a recent resolution to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050 reinforces the city’s environmental commitment. (Tallahassee Democrat)
• A South Carolina Republican says clean energy is one of the smartest ways to rebuild the state’s post-pandemic economy. (Greenville News)

Dan has two decades' experience working in print, digital and broadcast media. Prior to joining the Energy News Network as managing editor in December 2017, he oversaw watchdog reporting at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, part of the USA Today Network, and before that spent several years as a freelance journalist covering energy, business and technology. Dan is a former Midwest Energy News journalism fellow and a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.