Ohio gets picky on energy

This roundup of energy news headlines comes from our Midwest Energy News newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.

ENERGY

• Critics are calling out a $100 million Ohio energy fund that will only benefit nuclear and gas projects while excluding renewables — and is exempt from public disclosure law. (Canary Media)

COAL

• Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) and state ratepayer advocates ask the Trump administration to stop extending the life of soon-to-retire coal plants, saying they could cost utility customers in the state as much as $117 million in the coming years. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

GRID

• State lawmakers in the Midwest are fighting an effort by utilities that want the right of first refusal to build multistate power lines, with the legislators saying reducing competition could drive prices higher. (Missouri Independent)

UTILITIES

• A nominating committee finalizes its top three picks for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, with Gov. Mike Braun (R) now able to pick his top candidate from the shortlist. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

• In Kansas, utility Evergy claims data center developments could end up lowering electric rates for residential customers, as the facilities have to pay a premium for power. (Topeka Capital-Journal)

FOSSIL FUELS

• Indiana Michigan Power announces plans for a 1.5-GW gas power plant in southwest Indiana and is seeking regulatory approval. (Inside Indiana Business)

TRANSPORTATION

• Electra plans to build an $850 million factory in Springfield, Ohio, to produce its nine-passenger hybrid-electric plane, although the aircraft has not yet flown. (Electrek)

SOLAR

• Solar developer Summit Ridge Energy sues Sangamon County, Illinois, as it seeks to overturn a zoning decision that blocked a solar farm. (Illinois Times)

• Xcel Energy finishes the third phase of its Sherco Solar project in Minnesota, which now totals 710 MW of capacity. (Solar Power World)

GEOTHERMAL

• Two Minnesota schools in the Mounds View district say they’re reaping the cost and efficiency benefits of newly completed geothermal heating and cooling projects, with a third school expected to join them soon. (Facility Executive)

BATTERIES

• Painesville, Ohio, seeks an up to $10 million loan as it looks to keep a $39 million battery storage project on track while awaiting federal reimbursement for the project. (Cleveland.com)