Bill to lift Wisconsin’s ban on nuclear plants moves forward

OHIO:
• In additional filings with state regulators over two utility income-guarantee requests, grid operator PJM says the plans are ​“inconsistent” with the competitive electric market, while Dynegy says it can offer a better deal for ratepayers. (Midwest Energy News)
• AEP and FirstEnergy dismiss Dynegy’s proposal, saying it ​“misses the point.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

WIND: Developers of the Rock Island Clean Line transmission project are dealt another setback by Iowa regulators, putting the future of the $2 billion attempt to move wind energy from Iowa to Illinois in jeopardy. (Midwest Energy News)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join more than 600 innovators and decision-makers February 24-26 in Chicago for the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference. With live demonstrations, insightful panels and unparalleled networking, MES 2016 is a can’t-miss conference. Register today!***

RATES: Advocates are criticizing plans by a Minnesota utility to lower rates for struggling industrial customers while raising them for residents. (Midwest Energy News)

NUCLEAR: The Wisconsin Assembly approves lifting the state’s moratorium on new nuclear plants; the legislation now heads to the state Senate. (Associated Press)

NATURAL GAS: Experts say flaring of the world’s natural gas supply has remained constant at around 3.5 percent for several years. (Nature Magazine)

COAL:
• The U.S. House approves a bill to block President Obama’s new stream-protection rules. (Associated Press)
• While U.S. coal generation will still exceed gas in 2015, low natural gas prices have sped up the transition, according to new EIA data. (Utility Dive)
• Michigan State University is ahead of schedule in eliminating its coal use and transitioning to natural gas. (The State News)

SOLAR: One Minnesota town wants to place its community solar project in a prominent location in order to showcase it for visitors. (Pioneer Press)

IOWA: Gov. Terry Branstad touts the state’s diversified energy mix in his annual Condition of the State speech. (Radio Iowa)

OIL AND GAS:
• The slump in oil prices is leading to tens of thousands of job losses in the U.S. from major companies to suppliers and contractors. (Associated Press)
• Oil prices are projected to continue their downward trend. (Associated Press)

MICHIGAN: The state Senate leader says updating Michigan’s energy policy is one of his two top priorities in 2016. (Associated Press)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join dynamic CEO Mary Powell of Green Mountain Power, renewables thought leader James Tong, Wisconsin utilities, and renewable industry experts for ​“Shaping the Utility of the Future,” Thursday, January 21^st in Madison, Wisconsin. ***

BANKRUPTCY:
• Arch Coal has broad lender support for a plan to cut $4.5 billion in debt as part of its bankruptcy proceeding. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• As the value of Arch Coal continued to decline, the company’s CEO got a multi-million-dollar raise. (DeSmog Blog)
• A series of unfavorable market conditions led to Arch Coal’s decline in recent years. (EnergyWire)

FUEL CELLS: Some large automakers are still hoping hydrogen-powered cars offer a promising future. (Michigan Radio)