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Xcel embraces virtual power plants in Minnesota

By Andy Balaskovitz

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GRID: Xcel Energy in Minnesota says virtual power plants that aggregate generation and storage from distributed sources would provide a host of clean energy and financial benefits, though advocates raise concerns about the utility’s interest in owning the resources. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:

  • Advocates say Virginia, where data centers have exploded and created a reliance on diesel generators and coal plants, provides a lesson to Michigan as it considers incentives for the industry. (Planet Detroit)
  • Midwest grid operators MISO and Southwest Power Pool seek federal approval for changes to their joint operating agreement that would advance $1.7 billion in transmission projects and enable up to 30 GW of new generation. (Utility Dive)

COAL:

  • Ohio regulators vote to allow three utilities to collect $105 million in ratepayer subsidies for the costs of operating two unprofitable coal plants in 2020 that were part of the HB 6 bailout scandal. (Columbus Dispatch)
  • A watchdog group raises concerns about whether ratepayers will be left to pay for environmental pollution caused by an Ohio coal plant that’s owned by a private equity firm and outspoken supporter of former President Trump and Sen. JD Vance. (Ohio Capital Journal)

PIPELINES: The South Dakota Supreme Court rules in favor of landowners who challenged a carbon pipeline developer’s assertion that it could conduct surveys on their property without their consent. (Argus Leader)

UTILITIES: Xcel Energy modifies a proposal to automatically enroll customers in time of use rates, instead allowing voluntary participation in a program that would charge higher rates during peak demand. (MPR)

HYDROELECTRIC: As Michigan utility Consumers Energy considers selling 13 unprofitable and aging hydroelectric dams, environmental groups worry about public safety if new owners can’t afford their costly upkeep. (Bridge Michigan)

SOLAR: Minnesota is on the cusp of a major solar energy build out, with more than a dozen large projects planned in mostly rural areas of the state. (Star Tribune, subscription)

EMISSIONS: The Republican attorneys general for Ohio and Kansas ask the U.S. Supreme Court to freeze a federal rule requiring coal plans to capture and store 90% of carbon emissions or shut down within eight years. (Cleveland.com)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

  • A company opens a $400 million central Ohio plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries, the first of its kind to open with support from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure law. (Canary Media)
  • Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan were among the most active states this year to enact legislation related to vehicle electrification incentives and ratemaking. (PV Magazine)
  • Experts say solid state batteries have the potential to transform the auto sector by giving electric vehicles hundreds of miles more of range per charge. (Inside Climate News)

EFFICIENCY: Ohio is among 13 states to receive new federal grant funding for low-income weatherization projects, landing $4.3 million to support low-income Appalachian residents. (Utility Dive)

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