Top Ohio officials drawn into utility bribery scandal

OHIO: Shareholders suing FirstEnergy want to depose Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and have subpoenaed Gov. Mike DeWine and Husted for documents in connection with the HB 6 bribery scandal. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

CLEAN ENERGY: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs a sweeping bill package that includes a 100% clean energy target by 2040 and shifts authority over wind and solar projects from local governments to state regulators. (Bridge)

SOLAR:

• Xcel Energy forecasts sharp price increases for community solar that would affect all customers, refueling debate about whether the utility program’s benefits outweigh the costs. (Star Tribune)
• A western Michigan church is now operating solar panels that were donated by a nonprofit organization, producing more electricity than the facility needs. (WXMI)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Despite rising electric vehicle sales, there’s been no breakthrough to tap into typical drivers, creating a production dilemma and cost overruns for Detroit’s major automakers. (Christian Science Monitor)

MINING: A Minnesota administrative law judge recommends that a state agency deny a key permit for a copper-nickel mine, the latest setback for the project that proponents say is needed to provide raw materials for clean energy. (MPR)

COAL:

• Former coal plants across the country are increasingly attractive for renewable energy and storage development amid growing resistance to renewables on greenfields. (States Newsroom)
• Indiana’s power generation portfolio has dropped from 90% coal in 2010 to 58% coal in 2021 as advocates there continue to push for a clean energy transition. (Great Lakes Echo)

UTILITIES: Kansas City utility Evergy has almost fully transitioned to time-of-use rates that allow customers to achieve bill savings based on their power consumption. (FOX 2)