Another Ohio utility seeks guarantees for coal plants

MICHIGAN: The question of how to replace the energy from retiring power plants is playing out on a much more urgent timeline on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. (Midwest Energy News)

OHIO: Another Ohio utility is seeking a guaranteed income for some of its older coal plants. (Columbus Dispatch)

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SOLAR: A Wisconsin utility backs away from a plan to change the way solar customers are compensated, but is still pursuing other rate changes. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

ALSO: A Minnesota rural co-op unveils its new community solar project, and a Minnesota farmer’s solar array is a highlight of a regional energy tour. (Winona Daily News, New Ulm Journal)

UTILITIES: Wisconsin regulators agree to extend their review of the proposed We EnergiesWisconsin Energy/​Integrys merger, North Dakota utilities dispute who should serve new businesses, and how electric cars can help head off the utility ​“death spiral.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bismarck Tribune, The Economist)

TRANSMISSION: The Chicago Tribune takes a closer look at Clean Line transmission projects, and South Dakota co-ops are using state and federal funds to bury power lines damaged in recent storms. (Chicago Tribune, KELO)

OIL AND GAS:
• Cleanup of North Dakota’s largest pipeline spill is expected to take at least another year. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Enbridge highlights its conservation efforts. (Times of Northwest Indiana)
• Shale revenue helps cut taxes in an Ohio watershed district. (Associated Press)
• Tensions increase between Michigan landowners and a natural gas pipeline crew. (MLive)
• Why big oil companies are backing away from renewable energy. (EnergyWire)

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TRANSPORTATION: Advocates say Wisconsin is overestimating future traffic levels when planning transportation projects. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

COMMENTARY: Why Warren Buffett is spending billions on solar and wind, a carbon tax could be good for Iowa, and can Minnesota be energy independent? (Motley Fool, Des Moines Register, Minneapolis Star Tribune)