Midwest

Data centers

Questionable data center forecasts are driving up Ohio power bills

Critics question sky-high electricity demand predictions for Ohio, which rely on ambitious data center plans and put upward pressure on utility bills.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski .

9 September 2026

Overhead view of a large dirt construction site, near a body of water — The COL5 under construction in Lewis Center, Ohio, in July 2025 (Eli Hiller/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Nuclear

Shuttered nuclear plant in Iowa gets $1.9B federal loan to restart

NextEra Energy is one of three U.S. energy companies to win backing from the Department of Energy to revive shut-down nuclear plants to meet soaring power demand.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 September 2026
Transmission

This novel power line could link 3 grids across 3 time zones

North Plains Connector has earned backing from the Energy Department and utilities, and could deliver huge cost and reliability benefits — if states give it the OK.

By Jeff St. John . 3 September 2026
Wind

Wind energy benefits North Dakota. So why has the state soured on it?

Turbines generate tax revenue and sizable payments for farmers, but development has slowed as the political winds have shifted.

By Daniel Cusick . 2 September 2026
Solar

Can the Obama Presidential Center help Chicago embrace community solar?

As an anchor tenant for several off-site arrays in development, the center will help spur investment and educate residents on the benefits of shared solar.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 September 2026
Climate crisis

Gary power outage underscores stakes of Solar for All cancellation

Some city residents went two weeks without power following storms. The federal program, ended by Trump, would have enabled many to access solar and batteries.

By Kari Lydersen . 31 August 2026
Clean energy

As Ohio grapples with fake comments on clean energy, some want crackdown

Apparently fake public input has promoted fossil fuels and attacked clean energy in Ohio and beyond. Here’s what officials could do to try to stymie the problem.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 25 August 2026
Green steel

Trump turns $500M grant for clean steel into funding for coal furnace

The money was mandated by Congress to help manufacturers like Cleveland-Cliffs adopt low-carbon tech. Now it’ll be used to extend the life of a polluting facility.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 August 2026
Batteries

In Michigan, LG opens one of America’s biggest battery cell factories

Trump officials touted the storage and EV plant as an example of “energy dominance,” underscoring increasing bipartisan acceptance of grid batteries.

By Claire Hao . 19 August 2026
Solar

After a 2-year wait, will Ohio’s largest solar project get the OK?

The Oak Run solar and storage project has been in legal limbo since 2024, showing local opponents’ power to delay clean energy. A decision may come soon.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 17 August 2026
Clean aluminum

US aluminum is poised for a comeback — if it overcomes these hurdles

Tariffs and rising grid demand are spurring a revival, but high electricity costs and community concerns threaten to stall key new smelter projects

By Maria Gallucci . 13 August 2026