Community solar debate ramps up in Michigan

SOLAR: DTE Energy and Consumers Energy launch a community solar ​“education campaign” as Michigan lawmakers are set this week to consider a pair of bills opposed by the utilities that would open community solar projects to private developers. (Detroit News, MiBiz)

ALSO:
• Developers continue to pursue a 250 MW solar project near Lincoln, Nebraska, that would be the state’s largest solar development. (Lincoln Journal Star)
• A local planning commission rejects plans for a 280 MW solar project in southwestern Indiana, though the city council has the final decision. (WEHT)
• City and township officials in northeastern Indiana wait on county zoning regulations for commercial solar projects before enacting their own rules. (News Sun)
• A coalition of public utilities in Michigan seeks to purchase more power from in-state solar projects. (Daily Reporter)

GRID:
• North Dakota regulators draft new service standards for electric utilities to ensure reliability following a cold weather snap early this year. (Prairie Public Broadcasting)
• Grid operators MISO and Southwest Power Pool plan an interregional project meant to reduce transmission congestion between the two grid territories. (RTO Insider, subscription)

UTILITIES:
• Xcel Energy has proposed a roughly 20%, or $677.4 million, electricity rate increase over the next three years for ​“necessary infrastructure investments.” (Star Tribune)
• AES Indiana wants customers to cover $1.2 million in costs associated with purchasing wholesale power as a natural gas plant has been out of service for the past six months. (Indianapolis Star) 

CLEAN ENERGY: A recent poll by clean energy advocates shows strong support in Indiana for renewable energy development, net metering, energy choice and property rights. (WBIW)

COMMENTARY:
• A consultant and former Michigan utility regulator says the U.S. needs proactive policies to spur domestic solar manufacturing and help relieve supply chain disruptions from China. (Utility Dive)
• A recent protest at a pipeline valve station in eastern Michigan exposed ​“serious security risks” for the Line 5 pipeline, an editorial board says. (Daily Mining Gazette)