TRANSMISSION: A planned underground transmission line through Iowa and Illinois hasn’t faced the same organized opposition that has dogged overhead transmission lines in the region. (Energy News Network)
EFFICIENCY:
• An Illinois architect discusses the challenges of reaching higher percentages of energy efficiency levels in new buildings and retrofits. (Energy News Network)
• A retrofitted Michigan home that nears net-zero energy usage could be the norm instead of the exception to the rule, building contractors say. (WMUK)
POLICY: COVID-19 will likely stall clean energy reforms in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and other states as legislatures pause work. (Utility Dive)
SOLAR: The U.S. solar industry could be facing a crisis due to uncertainty over the Investment Tax Credit as projects face delays. (E&E News, subscription)
OIL & GAS: A Michigan task force releases draft recommendations to help strengthen the Upper Peninsula’s access to propane while examining alternatives during supply disruptions. (Michigan Advance)
NUCLEAR:
• A problem with coolant pumps caused the Besse Davis nuclear plant in Ohio to shut down temporarily this week. (Toledo Blade)
• Nuclear plant operators consider potential limitations on refueling outages in the coming months to protect the health and safety of workers. (Utility Dive)
GRID: Federal energy regulators and a national group representing state regulators urge states to designate utility workers as “essential” to critical infrastructure during the coronavirus outbreak. (E&E News, subscription)
BIOFUELS:
• Ethanol producers say the federal government is blocking their plans to produce a grade of alcohol that could be used for sanitizers. (Associated Press)
• Some Iowa ethanol plants may close as oil prices tank and travel is reduced due to the coronavirus. (Radio Iowa)
COAL: A west Michigan city moves forward with site improvement plans at a recently closed coal plant. (Grand Haven Tribune, subscription)
COMMENTARY: Documents show the close financial relationship between FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries as lawmakers considered and passed legislation to bail out struggling nuclear and coal plants, a watchdog group reports. (Energy and Policy Institute)