WIND: A new industry study concludes the value of wind power in Iowa now far exceeds its cost there. (Midwest Energy News)
NUCLEAR: Dairyland Electric Cooperative in Wisconsin wins a $73.5 million settlement from the federal government for having to store spent fuel at one of the utility’s long-shuttered nuclear plants. (LaCrosse Tribune)
***SPONSORED LINK: End your year on a strong note at Solar Power PV Conference & Expo-Chicago. Join hundreds of solar professionals and 40+ exhibitors for two days of cutting-edge education and networking. Register today! Expo passes start at $60.***
SOLAR:
• Minnesota receives $2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to boost solar development. (Minnesota Public Radio)
• U.S. solar capacity will have nearly tripled in size in less than three years by 2017, according to the Department of Energy. (Climate Central)
• Minnesota-based retail giant Target earns the top spot among U.S. companies, surpassing Walmart, with the most solar capacity installed at its facilities. (CNET)
• Instead of a boom in community solar, “there are mostly unresolved debates over policies” that seem to distort the benefits it can bring. (Utility Dive)
• An Illinois elementary school plans to install solar panels that will meet 20 percent of the building’s energy needs. (Southern Illinoisan)
WASTE-TO-ENERGY: Wisconsin regulators may increase funding for farm digesters that convert animal waste to electricity. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
REGULATION: Subsidizing power plants in deregulated markets is not just an anecdote in Ohio, but rather a growing trend. (Utility Dive)
EFFICIENCY: New building energy codes and statewide initiatives have boosted Missouri’s ranking among states pursuing energy efficiency. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
CLIMATE: Over the course of the three presidential debates, moderators asked the candidates zero questions about climate change. (ClimateWire)
RATES: A new report shows Ohio residential ratepayers are paying more for electricity but consuming less overall. (Columbus Business First)
PIPELINES: A media watchdog group is calling on North Dakota prosecutors to drop charges against three filmmakers who were covering Dakota Access pipeline protests. (Associated Press)
***SPONSORED LINK: Support Solar in Illinois — Purchase a raffle ticket to win a 2016 Tesla Model S from the Illinois Solar Energy Association! One ticket for $100, 4 for $300. Only 2,500 tickets will be sold!***
TRANSMISSION: AEP plans to build a $20 million “transmission regional distribution center” outside Columbus, Ohio. (Newark Advocate)
COMMENTARY: Regulatory approval of Xcel Energy’s 15-year energy plan “will further strengthen Minnesota’s leadership position in the clean energy transition.” (Union of Concerned Scientists)