Midwest grid operator forecasts capacity shortfall

GRID: Grid operator MISO says it could face a capacity shortfall starting next summer in its northern and central regions without swift efforts to add new generation or delay retirements. (Utility Dive)

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OHIO: Lt. Gov. Jon Husted allegedly helped lead the charge with now-indicted FirstEnergy executives to pass House Bill 6, which became the subject of a major bribery scheme, text messages show. (WEWS)

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SOLAR:

• ComEd’s new billing system that launched in February is still preventing community solar subscribers from receiving bill credits and blocking project operators from getting paid. (Chicago Tribune)
• A developer withdraws plans for a 135 MW solar project in Ohio in part due to uncertainty from state regulators’ evaluation process. (Morning Journal)
• A group of tech companies sign virtual power purchase agreements for five Michigan solar projects totaling about 100 MW of capacity that they say make the projects more economically viable. (Michigan Public)
• A developer completes two southern Minnesota solar projects totaling 95 MW that will be mostly purchased by Xcel Energy. (Solar Power World)

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COAL: DTE Energy completes the demolition of a southeastern Michigan coal plant where the utility plans to build a large battery storage facility. (Associated Press)

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ELECTRIFICATION: Evanston, Illinois, is among U.S. communities banning gasoline-powered leaf blowers to cut down on noise and pollution, drawing pushback from the landscaping industry. (Associated Press)

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CLIMATE: Researchers say climate-driven weather patterns are contributing to temporary price spikes for food and raise the risks of long-term inflation. (Washington Post)

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OIL & GAS: North Dakota officials approve a $32 million loan for a processing facility that will convert natural gas into liquid hydrocarbon products. (North Dakota Monitor)

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BATTERIES: A struggling Michigan battery startup enters into a strategic partnership with manufacturing giant Foxconn to help scale up production. (Crain’s Detroit, subscription)

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BIOGAS: Two companies partner to develop a renewable natural gas facility at an eastern Illinois landfill that backers say will improve local air quality. (WCCU)

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EMISSIONS: A large office furniture manufacturer based in western Michigan plans to cut carbon emissions 90% by 2050, which executives say gives it a competitive advantage and helps suppliers meet their own climate targets. (Crain’s Grand Rapids, subscription)

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COMMENTARY:

• We Energies shouldn’t be allowed to recoup a 10% rate of return for 17 more years on costs to pay down a coal plant that will fully shut down next year, Wisconsin consumer advocates say. (Journal Sentinel)
• A trade group representing U.S. manufacturers says Ohio will benefit from tariffs on Chinese-made solar panels by bringing more production to the state. (Cleveland.com)

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