SOLAR: A Kansas utility is proposing that customers who generate their own energy pay a higher fixed charge than other ratepayers. (Midwest Energy News)

POLLUTION: The Supreme Court will hear arguments on a key pollution rule this week; the ruling could have a major impact on Ohio and other Midwest states. (Bloomberg, Midwest Energy News archive)

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OHIO: A report finds Ohio’s energy law “freeze” has resulted in millions of dollars in negative economic impacts. (Public News Service)

COAL:
• American Electric Power will close six coal plants by the end of May. (Platts)
• Coal gasification projects across the U.S. experience significant budget overruns. (Watchdog.org)

GRID: How a proposed transmission cable beneath Lake Erie will serve as an “extension cord” as U.S. coal plants retire. (EnergyWire)

UTILITIES:
• American Electric Power considers selling its barge subsidiary. (Columbus Dispatch)
• A Kansas utility will refund $38 million to customers after overcollecting on a fuel surcharge. (Wichita Eagle)
• Michigan regulators announce $22 million in federal grants for low-income utility bill assistance. (Associated Press)

ACTIVISM:
• BP withdraws from the American Legislative Exchange Council. (National Journal)
• Scientists urge science museums to cut ties with fossil fuel philanthropists. (New York Times)

OIL AND GAS:
• Scientists begin researching emissions from fracking sites. (Associated Press)
• A former Iowa lawmaker is walking across the state to protest a proposed oil pipeline. (WHO-TV)
• A drilling company is suing an Ohio town for access to water. (Columbus Business First)
• A hearing will be held next week on a proposed North Dakota pipeline. (Bismarck Tribune)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Michigan researchers say electric cars can help reduce the urban heat island effect. (CityMetric)

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EFFICIENCY: How Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program helps utilities become more efficient. (FierceEnergy)

COMMENTARY: What it means for utilities to focus on interactions instead of transactions, and why it may be critical for keeping the lights on. (Utility Dive)

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.

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