GRID: ATC proposes transmission upgrades in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that would save more than $7 million a year in system support resource payments for an unprofitable coal plant there. (EnergyWire)
UTILITIES: AEP says it will wait until March for potential changes it is seeking to Ohio’s electricity market before moving to sell its remaining power plants in the state. (Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Business First)
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POLITICS:
• Contrasts on energy and climate policy could help decide which party wins the battleground state of Ohio in the presidential election. (Midwest Energy News)
• Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump offer a “stark” contrast on pursuing renewable energy. (Forbes)
FINANCE: A new structure for funding energy improvements on non-residential properties is gaining traction in Ohio. (Midwest Energy News)
WIND: Alliant Energy gives local officials in Iowa more details on its planned $1 billion wind farm expansion. (Waterloo Courier)
COAL:
• A miners’ union chips in with a $28.5 million settlement as bankrupt Alpha Natural Resources terminates health care benefits for retired workers. (The Southern Illinoisan)
• More stringent limits on coal dust samples take effect today at coal mines across the country in an effort to reduce cases of black lung disease. (Associated Press)
• More than 250,000 people call for reforming the federal coal leasing program. (The Hill)
OIL AND GAS: U.S. officials plan to speed up permitting for oil and gas drilling on federal and tribal lands to reduce delays amid a downturn in applications. (Associated Press)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Some automakers are transitioning to wireless charging pads for new models of electric vehicles. (Detroit News)
SOLAR: The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners issues a draft manual with a focus on the penetration of net-metered solar. (Greentech Media)
CLIMATE: Advocates say Democrats should have boycotted oil and gas lobbying groups at last week’s national convention for promoting a climate denial message and sponsoring events. (Grist)
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SMART METERS: Consumers Energy continues to install smart meters across its customer base in Michigan. (MLive)
COMMENTARY:
• Several front groups in the climate “web of denial” were sponsors of last week’s annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council in Indianapolis. (DeSmog Blog)
• Local officials’ decision to grant a tax abatement for what would be Ohio’s largest solar project “was the right one for the city and county.” (Toledo Blade)
• A Minnesota lawmaker says the state should follow Germany’s lead in its approach to combating climate change. (Duluth News Tribune)