Electric cooperatives consider dropping TVA for cheaper power

UTILITIES: Two electric cooperatives serving customers in Tennessee and Georgia solicit requests for proposals from utilities to find more affordable power than TVA. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

COAL:
• After cleaning up pollution, West Virginia communities were banking on tourism to help their economies — then the coronavirus pandemic hit. (Ohio Valley Resource)
• Jacksonville, Florida’s utility plans to retire one unit of a Georgia coal-fired power plant and enter a 20-year power purchase agreement with Florida Power & Light. (Jacksonville Daily Record)

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SOLAR:
• Officials in an Arkansas town unanimously approve a contract for the city and water department to buy power from a solar company. (Camden News)
• Appalachian Power puts out a call for solar project proposals with a minimum size of 10 MW and an operational date of December 2022. (WV Metro News) 

COAL ASH:
• TVA is floating ideas for how its Bull Run Fossil Plant site in Tennessee will be used, including park areas, bike trails and solar ​“blankets” that could cover the coal ash. (Oak Ridger)
• Georgia residents continue to pressure lawmakers after two coal ash bills stall before the end of the legislative session on June 26. (Saporta Report)

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PIPELINES: A San Antonio pipeline company that has been struggling financially announces plans to build pipelines and natural gas projects in Mexico. (San Antonio Express-News)

OIL & GAS:
• Major natural gas producer Chesapeake Energy’s bankruptcy will add stress on energy service and pipeline companies, energy analysts say. (New York Times)
• The surge in COVID-19 cases in Texas could make it harder for the oil and gas industry to recover. (Houston Chronicle)