Midwest

Data centers

Critics decry company created to rush power to Indiana data centers

Northern Indiana Public Service Co. says the spinoff is needed to meet surging power demand. Others say it’s an excuse to bypass regulations that protect consumers.

By Kari Lydersen . 28 October 2025
Sponsored

The case for optimism in America’s energy transition

New insights from DNV show U.S. and Canadian energy leaders remain optimistic about the clean energy transition — with growing investment in renewables, storage, and modernized grids.

By Canary Creative . 27 October 2025
Solar

Why one Ohio couple is suing their city over rooftop solar fees

The city's utility says the charge is only fair to customers without solar, but the couple argues it’s an illegal penalty. The dispute echoes a nationwide debate.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 23 October 2025
Transmission

Trump admin approves $1.6B in financing for AEP transmission project

In a rare example of continuity on energy policy, Trump’s DOE finalized the Biden-era loan to upgrade 5,000 miles of power lines across the Midwest.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 16 October 2025
Land use

Ohio to fast-track energy at former coal mines and brownfields

It’s part of a new law meant to boost power production amid rising demand — and it could help renewables grow faster while putting industrial land to use.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 15 October 2025
Marine transport

Major Midwest port begins electrifying operations to reduce emissions

The Port of Cleveland is adding charging ports, batteries, and solar to its main warehouse — work funded by a federal program that has so far survived Trump’s cuts.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 October 2025
Solar

Interconnection bottleneck threatens community solar success in Illinois

One of the state’s largest utilities, Ameren, takes years to approve projects. That’s creating headaches for developers racing to use expiring federal tax credits.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 October 2025
Energy markets

Why states are threatening to leave PJM — and why they probably won’t

The grid operator’s high power prices and long interconnection queue have Democratic and Republican governors eyeing an exit, but analysts warn it could backfire.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 26 September 2025
Virtual power plants

Virtual power plants may soon provide more electricity to Illinois’ grid

The state has tons of solar, thanks to past laws. Now, legislators are weighing incentives for home batteries that can give the grid clean power in times of need.

By Kari Lydersen . 25 September 2025
Green steel

A coal-burning steel plant may thwart Cleveland’s climate goals

The facility is the city's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Advocates say its dirty blast furnaces need to be replaced with cleaner technology.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 September 2025