Advocates push back on Indiana net metering changes

SOLAR: Clean energy and consumer advocates challenge Indiana regulators’ interpretation of a 2017 law that gutted net metering in the state, saying the changes have gone beyond what’s called for in the law. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:
• Ameren Missouri will buy a 150 MW solar project in Illinois to help meet the renewable energy demands of several large customers. (Daily Energy Insider)
• Consumer advocates say community solar projects could help northern Illinois residents reduce emissions and power costs. (Daily Chronicle)
• County officials in central Ohio approve an agreement with a solar developer planning a 100 MW project with a 20.3 MW battery storage component. (Marion Star)
• The CEO of the largest U.S. solar panel producer says the collapse of federal climate legislation is a blow to efforts to wean the industry off its reliance on China. (Reuters)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Wisconsin transportation officials prepare to deploy more than $78 million in federal infrastructure funding to help build out the state’s electric vehicle charging network. (Wisconsin State Journal)

EMISSIONS: Waterloo, Iowa, becomes the fourth U.S. city to pledge to run on 24/7 carbon-free electricity by 2035. (The Courier)

GRID:
• FirstEnergy proposes a new $626 million grid modernization plan as the Ohio utility still faces questions over how it spent ratepayer funds for a similar plan in 2016. (E&E News, subscription)
• Evergy officials say its electric grid is prepared for increased demand during a forecasted string of hot days. (KSAL)

OIL & GAS: Indiana’s consumer advocate says CenterPoint Energy’s proposal to state regulators to replace an aging coal plant with natural gas turbines didn’t include $77 million in necessary equipment costs. (Courier & Press)

STORAGE: A research team in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is examining the potential for abandoned deep-shaft mines to act as pumped storage hydropower facilities. (Daily Mining Gazette)

WIND:
• A central Illinois county considers amending its wind energy regulations to better protect drainage districts as a developer pursues a 300 MW project. (News-Gazette)
• Local officials say a developer is failing to provide adequate information during the permitting process for a proposed southwestern Iowa wind project. (KMALand)

PIPELINES: The Keystone pipeline is operating at reduced capacity following damage to a power source in South Dakota. (Global News)

BIOGAS: Wisconsin regulators approve a $75 million pilot program for the state’s largest utility to replace some of its natural gas supply with renewable methane from local farms. (Wisconsin State Journal)

TRANSPORTATION: Iowa’s state auditor urges school districts to apply for federal infrastructure grants to replace aging diesel buses with cleaner models. (Radio Iowa)

COMMENTARY: A northern Minnesota author and college instructor says a new energy-efficient and electrified iron production facility is a necessity to remain competitive in the global market. (Minnesota Brown)