SOLAR: Wisconsin utility Alliant Energy builds a solar-plus-storage microgrid to power a remote building for the state’s natural resources department. (Wisconsin State Journal)
ALSO:
• A developer is negotiating a land sale in eastern Wisconsin to build a 150 MW solar project. (Milwaukee Business Journal)
• Twenty Indiana churches will share $500,000 to install solar projects as part of a settlement between American Electric Power and the U.S. EPA. (Statehouse File)
• Analysts expect large-scale solar projects — 100 MW or bigger — to increase in the next few years due to corporate demand and declining costs. (PV Magazine)
• An Illinois community college expects to save $18,000 a year in electricity costs after installing solar panels. (WGEM)
• A new solar cooperative in Minnesota allows members to benefit from bulk purchases. (WXOW)
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OVERSIGHT: The chairperson of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission discusses virtual utility oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Energy News Network)
WIND: A federal judge issues a permanent injunction preventing the Nebraska Public Power District from canceling power purchase agreements with three wind projects. (Lincoln Journal Star)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A new Chicago ordinance requires new commercial and residential structures of certain sizes to ensure at least 20% of supplied parking spaces are ready for EV charging. (Utility Dive)
• Ford and Rivian cancel plans to build a Lincoln-branded electric vehicle due to uncertainty caused by the pandemic. (Chicago Tribune)
• Harley Davidson says it remains committed to developing electric motorcycle models. (Greentech Media)
UTILITIES:
• Consumers Energy and DTE Energy post first quarter earnings showing large decreases in commercial and industrial power usage being partially offset with increased residential demand. (Crain’s Detroit Business)
• An energy assistance program for low-income ratepayers is extended through May for Ameren Missouri customers. (KMOV)
COAL: Environmental groups raise concerns about an Indiana coal company receiving a $10 million federal loan as part of CARES Act stimulus funds. (WBOI)
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PIPELINES: A U.S. House committee report claims FERC’s process for approving natural gas pipelines unfairly favors developers over landowners. (The Hill)
COMMENTARY:
• Minnesota Sierra Club officials say state officials are moving forward with Line 3 pipeline permits “without real public input.” (MinnPost)
• A utility watchdog group reports DTE Energy is facing growing scrutiny from investors and ratings agencies over the company’s natural gas investments. (Energy and Policy Institute)