SOLAR: Wisconsin lawmakers draft legislation that would allow residents and businesses to lease solar panels in an attempt to expand distributed generation and clarify who is considered a public utility. (Wisconsin State Journal)
ALSO:
• Developers are set to begin construction on a massive solar project in Indiana that will be completed in two phases. (Inside Indiana Business)
• Biofuels producer Poet unveils a solar installation at its Sioux Falls, South Dakota, headquarters. (Argus Leader)
GRID: Iowans are vulnerable to more frequent and longer power outages because of climate change and should be prepared to pay more for grid infrastructure, more than 200 scientists say in a joint statement. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
COAL: DTE Energy says it will stop burning coal at a large southeastern Michigan plant in 2028, two years earlier than originally planned, to accelerate progress toward its goal of cutting emissions 50% by 2030. (MLive)
OIL & GAS:
• The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Midwestern natural gas customers could pay on average 49% more for natural gas this winter. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• North Dakota oil and gas production increased slightly in August as the industry continues to recover from low prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Bismarck Tribune)
PIPELINES:
• A Michigan board overseeing the potential construction of an underground tunnel for the Line 5 pipeline discusses a proposed tribal consultation policy and other project specifics. (WLUC)
• County officials in Iowa delay plans to hire inspection services for a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline. (Red Oak Express)
UTILITIES:
• Ameren says customers should be on high alert as the number of utility scams continue to grow in southern Illinois. (Southern Illinoisan)
• Power prices played a key role in Ford’s decision to make an $11.4 billion investment in Kentucky and Tennessee where publicly owned utilities provide cheaper electricity. (Outlier Media)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Electric vehicle startup Rivian gives a second life to a former auto manufacturing plant in central Illinois. (Pantagraph)
• A Cleveland suburb is close to enacting a new fee structure for publicly available electric vehicle charging stations. (Cleveland.com)
• General Motors will extend a production halt on its electric Chevrolet Bolt by two weeks as it accelerates production of new battery modules and prioritizes recall repairs. (Reuters)
• Wisconsin clean energy advocates raise awareness about electric vehicle potential during a renewable energy day at the state capital. (WKOW)
COMMENTARY:
• An Enbridge official says Line 3 reconstruction was properly vetted by state, federal and tribal officials and that investing in the aging infrastructure was necessary. (Star Tribune)
• An Illinois state representative voted against a recent sweeping clean energy law because of proposed rate increases and coal plant retirements that would put downstate Illinois at a disadvantage. (The Telegraph)