Midwest

ENN

Grid congestion caps Minnesota town’s rooftop solar ambitions

A flurry of community solar projects south of the Twin Cities has limited clean energy opportunities in the city of Northfield, where homeowners have been forced to abandon projects due to high interconnection charges.

By Frank Jossi . 22 April 2021
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Community solar surge strains Minnesota's interconnection queue

Xcel Energy says it received about 400 applications to build community solar projects last year — exceeding the total number of projects completed since 2015 and intensifying complaints about the approval process.

By Frank Jossi . 21 April 2021
ENN

Utility grant poses potential conflict for Michigan ratepayer board appointee

Utility watchdogs and ethics experts said a utility foundation’s donation last year to a Highland Park church creates the appearance of a conflict of interest for a pastor recently named to a utility consumer protection board.

By Tom Perkins . 20 April 2021
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In Ohio, utility and fossil fuel influence reaches beyond bailout bill

Dark money loopholes remain, while people linked to utilities and fossil fuels hold public office or enjoy ongoing access to government officials.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 19 April 2021
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Utility and fossil fuel interests still ahead in Ohio under House Bill 6

A surgical repeal of parts of the 2019 bailout law means utilities, fossil fuel interests and nuclear plants still benefit.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 19 April 2021
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FirstEnergy’s transparency pledge clashes with ongoing actions

The company’s broad view of its ongoing investigation for purposes of limiting public disclosures seems at odds with its narrow view and piecemeal approach to regulatory proceedings.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 19 April 2021
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Union-backed bill calls for prevailing wage for Illinois renewable projects

The Climate Union Jobs Act would provide insurance, tuition and employment assistance for displaced coal plant workers and establish labor protections for renewable projects that receive state incentives.

By Kari Lydersen . 14 April 2021
ENN

Michigan solar supporters make new push to eliminate rooftop solar caps

A group of Michigan lawmakers is trying again to get rid of a 1% cap limiting distributed energy in investor-owned utility territories, and they’re hopeful that new Republican leadership may give it a path through the legislature.

By Tom Perkins . 12 April 2021
ENN

Black, Latinx families bear the energy burden in Milwaukee, study finds

A report by the Sierra Club says residents of Black and Latinx neighborhoods in Milwaukee spend a far greater share of income on gas and electric utility bills, with advocates calling for debt forgiveness and empathy.

By Kari Lydersen . 9 April 2021
ENN

Commentary: To build energy resilience in Michigan, we must challenge DTE

It is time to cut through DTE’s greenwashing, and push for community-centered, locally governed energy solutions, write Matt Sehrsweeney and Ember McCoy of the Climate Action Movement.

By Matt Sehrsweeney . 9 April 2021