GRID: Virginia is set to soon build thousands of megawatts of wind, solar and storage projects, but advocates worry a backlogged grid interconnection queue will keep clean energy from making it to the grid. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:
• Texas’ grid manager says it expects to meet fall power demand, but challenges loom as ERCOT suggests a “colder-than-normal winter may be in store.” (San Antonio Express News)
• Arkansas is granted $10 million in federal funding for power grid improvements. (Arkansas Online)

UTILITIES:
• Louisiana’s public service commission gives a consulting firm more time and money to write an energy efficiency policy, even though the firm’s been working on the policy for 13 years and has racked up $600,000 in charges. (Louisiana Illuminator)
• Texas consumer advocates partner to push for reforms after large electricity consumers are rewarded for cutting power use during times of high demand, while homeowners did the same voluntarily. (UpNorthLive)

SOLAR:
• First Solar breaks ground on a $1.1 billion solar module manufacturing facility in Louisiana, marking the company’s fifth production location. (Advocate)
• The Little Rock School Board unanimously approves a plan to add solar energy to its power mix via a partnership with an energy developer. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette)
• A Richmond, Virginia-area family is the latest to receive solar panels from a Dominion Energy partnership. (WTVR)

STORAGE: In central Alabama, crews continue work on a graphite plant that will process the mineral for use in lithium-ion batteries. (ABC 3340)

CLIMATE: A climate nonprofit’s report warns a ballooning insurance crisis for Florida, Louisiana and other states is likely to worsen as climate disasters intensify. (Miami Herald)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Texas will require electric vehicle charging station installers to include a Tesla plug to be eligible for federal funds. (Reuters)
• Electric vehicle maker Canoo agrees to provide clean energy manufacturing education and internships for Pawnee Nation citizens, and in turn the tribe will purchase vehicles from the company once they’re built in Oklahoma. (KOCO)
• Hyundai and Georgia Tech partner to research and develop hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty vehicles and improve electric vehicle batteries as the automaker builds a battery factory in the state. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

CLEAN TECH: A South Carolina company building a platform to link homeowners with rooftop solar installers moves its headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, with plans to eventually employ 100 people. (WUNC)

OIL & GAS: A Florida city votes against providing utilities to a fuel transport facility over environmental and other concerns. (Spectrum News)

COAL: A Kentucky storage tank manufacturer that employs former coal miners celebrates a milestone. (Paintsville Herald)

COMMENTARY: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin needs to clarify how he’ll replace lost climate adaptation funding if he removes the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an editorial board writes. (Virginian-Pilot)

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Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.