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)