Advocates played key role in stunting DTE rate increase

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UTILITIES: Ratepayer advocates played a key role in Michigan regulators’ decision to approve just a fraction of the rate increase sought by DTE Energy. (Planet Detroit)

NUCLEAR: Michigan’s top energy regulator says a federal funding denial to reopen a nuclear plant is ​“obviously disappointing,” but that new federal laws bring new clean energy opportunities. (MiBiz)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A southeastern Missouri transportation council approves an extensive electric vehicle readiness plan that will guide municipalities on charging infrastructure. (Southeast Missourian)

SOLAR: Eastern Nebraska county officials are close to finalizing commercial solar regulations that include expanded project setbacks. (KMALand)

GRID: MISO executives are working with the Southwest Power Pool to secure federal funding for a $1 billion portfolio of Midwest transmission projects between the two grid operators. (RTO Insider, subscription)

EMISSIONS: American Electric Power released 18 tons of potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride from utility substations in 10 states last year, the highest amount from a single company. (Inside Climate News) 

WIND:
• Last week’s historic snow storm off eastern Lake Erie is generating data for researchers studying how wind turbines can generate lightning within snow storms. (Washington Post)
• Attorneys representing opponents of a southwestern Iowa wind project say a legal dispute should be sent back to state court and that local zoning restrictions should prohibit the project. (KMALand)

COMMENTARY:
• Swapping out gas-powered appliances for more efficient electric models ​“can yield significant energy savings for the average household in Chicago,” according to clean energy advocates. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
• A large solar and storage project could help backfill the power generation needed after the ​“ill-advised” and ​“short-sighted” decision to close an Iowa nuclear plant, an editorial board writes. (Corridor Business Journal)
• Widely used volumetric electric rate designs have created several social problems related to economic efficiency and equity, a consultant and former Illinois regulator writes. (Utility Dive)