Midwest

Transmission

How fast-tracking fossil gas could snarl the Midwest grid

MISO’s plan to let gas plants cut the interconnection line is unfair, costly, and counter to grid reliability goals, former federal regulators and advocates say.

By Jeff St. John . 6 May 2025
Solar

Largest solar farm east of the Mississippi provides more than just power

The project helps Chicago and one of its universities meet climate goals, but it will also be a case study for researchers examining the impacts of large-scale solar.

By Kari Lydersen . 2 May 2025
Clean energy jobs

Illinois’ clean energy transition needs workers. ComEd is training them.

The utility’s Academy programs are helping women and people of color start careers in clean energy. A new crop of workers just graduated.

By Audrey Henderson . 1 May 2025
Solar

Minnesota bill could 'all but stop' rural small-scale solar installs

The legislation, which has enthusiastic support from rural electric cooperatives, would slash bill credits for future solar customers in much of the state.

By Brian Martucci . 25 April 2025
Utilities

Ohio’s HB 6 utility scandal gets true-crime treatment in HBO film

“The Dark Money Game: Ohio Confidential” is now streaming on MAX. A Canary Media reporter who’s spent years covering the corrupt energy legislation offers her take.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski, Dan Haugen . 24 April 2025
Clean energy

Chicago Teachers Union secures clean energy wins in new contract

The contract requires the district to update its climate action plan, create clean energy job training programs, and install more heat pumps and solar panels.

By Kari Lydersen . 21 April 2025
Utilities

Ohio grid disparities leave some areas with older, outage-prone equipment

Advocates want state utility regulators to take up the issue of grid investment disparities in FirstEnergy’s pending rate case.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 17 April 2025
Utilities

Wisconsin utility’s data center–driven gas expansion meets skepticism

Some of the data centers may never even materialize, sticking ratepayers with the bill for overbuilt fossil-fuel infrastructure, advocates argue.

By Kari Lydersen . 14 April 2025
Carbon capture

Ohio bills aim to sideline local critics of carbon capture projects

Some landowners could be forced to let companies inject CO2 beneath their properties, and the state would get exclusive say over project permitting.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 11 April 2025
Utilities

Ohio corruption scandal looms over FirstEnergy rate case

Ohio’s ongoing corruption scandal has become an issue in FirstEnergy’s ratemaking case. Meanwhile, lawmakers are also pushing bills to end coal plant subsidies and boost in-state electricity generation.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 9 April 2025