Midwest

Solar

In new attack on solar, lawmakers spread myths about potato farms

Misinformation about renewable energy fuels local pushback to proposed energy installations and could threaten farmers’ livelihoods.

By Austyn Gaffney . 1 June 2026
EV charging

Installing EV charging at big-box stores is not as easy as it looks

A developer building chargers at home-improvement stores discusses the promise — and pitfalls — of siting EV infrastructure in major retailers' parking lots.

By Kari Lydersen . 28 May 2026
Energy storage

The hidden innovation behind Antora’s massive new heat battery

The startup is turning on a 200-battery project in South Dakota — and pioneering an electric utility rate that could help boost thermal energy storage more widely.

By Maria Gallucci . 27 May 2026
Solar

This AI tool helps community solar developers connect to the grid sooner

Startup MeanderX maps bottlenecks on distribution lines in Illinois and seven other states, so projects can avoid lengthy delays.

By Kari Lydersen . 26 May 2026
Fossil fuels

Trump admin defends its coal must-run orders in court

The administration told judges that it alone has the power to decide whether an energy emergency exists, a claim that a Michigan official called “unprecedented.”

By Marianne Lavelle . 19 May 2026
Utilities

Ohio utilities report subpar grid reliability as they seek a lower bar

FirstEnergy and Duke say factors like worsening extreme weather led to missed 2025 targets. The state will soon decide whether to accept more and longer outages.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 May 2026
Fossil fuels

The Indiana community caught between coal and the data center boom

In rural Jasper County, two defining energy trends of the Trump era — reviving coal and building gas-powered data centers — are converging.

By Kari Lydersen . 14 May 2026
Land use

Confusing ballot wording may have tipped Ohio vote on renewables ban

Exit polling suggests Richland County would have elected to repeal its wind and solar ban, if not for residents who mistakenly voted in favor of the restriction.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 11 May 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bill dies in Illinois after union voices opposition

Legislation to open the door for small plug-in solar panels hit roadblocks, including safety concerns raised by the state's electrical workers union

By Kari Lydersen . 8 May 2026
Land use

Resident-led campaign fails to reverse Ohio county’s ban on renewables

Locals pushed deep-red Richland County to be the first to nix a wind and solar ban. The close vote suggests bipartisan support for clean energy.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 May 2026