Midwest

Virtual power plants

Why Xcel’s bid to reinvent the virtual power plant is so controversial

Most VPPs rely on customers’ solar and batteries. Xcel says its utility-owned alternative can do a better job in Minnesota — but critics question the cost.

By Jeff St. John . 17 February 2026
Clean energy

A new Ohio bill could be a de facto statewide ban on solar and wind

The state is mulling a bill that calls for all new generation to be “affordable, reliable, and clean” — but its strained definitions would exclude renewables.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 12 February 2026
Food and farms

Missouri Senate considers bills to halt solar development on farmland

Proposals to stop or rein in large-scale solar projects drew emotional testimony and highlighted growing conflicts over land use and property rights.

By Rudi Keller . 5 February 2026
Solar

Are faked public comments about to tank an Ohio solar farm?

Dozens of public comments opposing the $98 million Crossroads Solar project appear to be fabricated. Ohio’s siting board may block the project anyway.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 5 February 2026
Wind

How Iowa has turned against wind

Facing staunch local opposition and federal roadblocks, a new wind project in Iowa is teetering on the brink, despite growing power demand.

By Dan Gearino, Anika Jane Beamer . 3 February 2026
Data centers

Wisconsin debates how to pay for the power-hungry AI boom

Regulators mull the first big utility plan to provide electricity to data centers flocking to the state, igniting disputes over consumer protection and clean energy.

By Kari Lydersen . 27 January 2026
Data centers

Disputes over clean energy may doom Wisconsin data center bills

Democrats and Republicans want safeguards against rising power costs. But clashing visions for how data centers should use renewables stand in the way.

By Kari Lydersen . 16 January 2026
Solar

Illinois’ booming solar sector entices young job seekers

Thanks to strong state policy, Illinois is a leader on solar installations. That’s creating a lot of job opportunities — and young people are taking notice.

By Kari Lydersen . 14 January 2026
Fossil fuels

What a fracking-waste dispute says about Ohio’s energy double standard

Ohio is letting the oil and gas industry put more toxic waste underground despite community concerns — even as the state defers to local opponents of clean energy.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 13 January 2026
Utilities

Ohio utility corruption defendants to SCOTUS: Bribes are free speech

If the court rules in favor of a former lawmaker and a lobbyist convicted in Ohio’s HB 6 scandal, it would have huge implications for the utility sector and beyond.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 8 January 2026