Utility considers wind energy push in Wisconsin

WIND: With billions of dollars planned for new wind development in Iowa, Alliant Energy also is considering investments in Wisconsin. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

ALSO:
• Subsidiaries of wind developer NextEra Energy Resources file more than 100 petitions against governmental units in Michigan’s Thumb region contesting the amount of taxes paid on projects. (Tuscola County Advertiser)
• Developers are gauging interest among nearby residents for a wind project in southwest Michigan. (Harbor Country News)

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MICROGRID: A Minnesota university lands a $2.1 million grant from utility Xcel Energy to advance research on microgrids. (Midwest Energy News)

SOLAR:
• Construction moves forward on a $25 million solar installation at a Minnesota National Guard base. (Brainerd Dispatch)
• A Wisconsin cooperative breaks ground on a new 2.34 MW solar array that will also feature pollinator habitat. (New Richmond News)

CLIMATE:
• A new White House directive requires all federal agencies to account for and quantify climate change impacts in their decisions. (Washington Post)
• Experts in Minnesota discuss emerging technologies being deployed to combat climate change. (Minnesota Public Radio)

FRAC SAND: A frac sand mining plant in Wisconsin adds nearly 20 employees because of rebounding demand in the industry. (Milwaukee Business Journal)

CLEAN POWER PLAN: New research says Illinois commercial building owners could save more than $100 million a year in electricity costs under the Clean Power Plan. (Public News Service)

TRANSPORTATION:
• The electric vehicle sector is ​“going the way of Airbnb” as private individuals increasingly offer up their charging stations for public use. (ClimateWire)
• Major EV charging station manufacturer ChargePoint appoints former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to its board of directors. (The Auto Channel)

UTILITIES: An Iowa utility is taking a proactive approach to combat scammers who fraudulently obtain payments from ratepayers. (Radio Iowa)

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RELIABILITY: A South Dakota utility has spent $10 million — and plans $10 million more — to trim trees along its distribution system in response to a wave of outages. (Rapid City Journal)

COMMENTARY:
• With the growth in solar generation in Wisconsin, ​“We need to ensure electric rates are fair and affordable for all customers.” (Chippewa Herald)
• Advocates say ​“many unused opportunities still exist” for solar deployment in Illinois. (Rock River Times)
• It’s a ​“good thing” Wisconsin is deploying more renewable energy ​“despite resistance from top elected officials.” (Wisconsin State Journal)