VIRGINIA: A Virginia Senate committee kills a bipartisan bill that would have subjected Dominion Energy to a review of whether its electricity rates are too high. (Washington Post)
ALSO: Democrats in Virginia are moving forward with bipartisan clean energy and environmental bills, but Dominion Energy has influenced the legislation. (Washington Post)
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UTILITIES:
• Consumer advocates in North Carolina recommend a substantial rate cut for Duke Energy customers, while the utility seeks state approval for a 6% rate hike. (Charlotte Observer)
• There will likely be key votes this week on whether South Carolina should sell its state-owned utility, Santee Cooper. (E&E News, subscription)
• A Mississippi electric cooperative considers whether to offer customers broadband internet now that a state law allows co-ops to offer it. (Associated Press)
RENEWABLES: Some clean energy advocates say South Carolina is now a model for bipartisan clean energy solutions. (Charleston Business)
SOLAR: A Texas solar company says 2019 was its most profitable year since its founding in 2007 because of the state’s residential solar growth. (PV Magazine)
NUCLEAR: A judge halts proceedings pending a $520 million settlement agreement in the class action lawsuit against South Carolina utility Santee Cooper for overcharging customers for its failed nuclear plant. (The State)
PIPELINES: Environmental groups worry a ruling in favor of the energy companies behind the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will open up more national parks to energy development. (Politico)
COAL: Coal miners with black lung disease lobby lawmakers in Kentucky to reverse a bill that limits the type of medical professionals qualified to diagnose the disease from chest X-rays. (Scalawag)
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OIL & GAS: A major Texas oil and gas conference attended by powerful people in the industry is canceled due to the coronavirus. (Houston Chronicle)
COMMENTARY:
• Oil spills are on the rise 10 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, a progressive think tank reports. (Center for American Progress)
• Several conservation group leaders ask readers not to fall for utility talking points on coal ash, which mislead the public about risks. (Utility Dive)
• South Carolina lawmakers need to reform Santee Cooper while negotiating its sale and protect ratepayers in the process, South Carolina’s state House speaker writes. (Post and Courier)