GRID: Minnesota solar installers say connecting systems to Xcel Energy’s grid still takes too long despite recent efforts by the utility and state regulators to reduce delays and clear a project backlog. (Energy News Network)
RENEWABLES: A Michigan county’s rejection of wind energy ordinances this week prompts discussions about the state taking a more active role in approving sites for renewable energy projects. (Bridge Michigan)
Sponsored Link
Bioeconomy Workshop on Renewable Natural Gas
Join us, either in-person or virtually, on Nov. 18 to help identify and explore the gaps and opportunities of renewable natural gas in Wisconsin and connect with other stakeholders of the bioeconomy. There is no cost to attend. Register now!
SOLAR:
• Iowa regulators deny a developer’s pre-approval request for a 400 MW solar and 75 MW storage project, saying alternative generation sources weren’t adequately studied, though the project could still move forward. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
• A southern Indiana county finalizes solar zoning regulations that will allow the developer of a 200 MW project to submit formal plans. (The Republic)
• Eastern Ohio county officials will consider a developer’s request to make direct payments to local entities instead of paying property taxes on a proposed 49.5 MW brownfield solar project. (Herald-Star)
STORAGE: Federal regulators waive Vistra from regional interconnection rules so the company can add battery storage at two retiring Illinois coal plants. (Utility Dive)
HYDROGEN: Nuclear plants in Ohio and Minnesota are part of a federal project demonstrating the potential to produce clean hydrogen at nuclear reactors. (Utility Dive)
OIL & GAS: President Biden is expected to announce a new rule today to cut down on methane emissions at smaller drilling sites. (Associated Press)
UTILITIES: Wisconsin regulators approve Madison Gas & Electric’s nearly 9% rate hike to cover increased fuel costs, and also approve the utility’s plan to buy part of a new natural gas plant. (Wisconsin State Journal)
BIOFUELS: U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska plans to introduce federal legislation to expand year-round sales of gasoline with higher ethanol blends, saying the proposal has support from a major oil industry trade group. (Reuters)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Michigan economic development officials prepare two additional rural “mega sites” in hopes of attracting electric vehicle and battery manufacturers. (Crain’s Detroit Business, subscription)
SMART METERS: AES Ohio now charges customers a nearly $100 one-time fee as well as nearly $37 a month to opt out of installing smart meters to cover the cost of manual meter-reading and billing. (Dayton Daily News)
COMMENTARY:
• Tribal leaders say Canada’s invocation of a 1977 pipeline treaty to keep Line 5 open is an attempt to “circumvent tribal rights within the U.S. legal system for a pipeline that we do not need or have alternatives for.” (Toronto Star)
• Indiana’s chief energy officer says Gov. Eric Holcomb is at COP27 this week to demonstrate “how our results-oriented approach to the energy transition is already delivering strong outcomes for the state.” (Indianapolis Star)
• Local zoning authorities in Indiana should hold meaningful engagement between landowners and developers to avoid distrust with large renewable energy projects, an editorial board writes. (Herald Bulletin)
More from the Energy News Network: Midwest | Southeast | Northeast | West
View this campaign in your browser.