SOLAR: A new initiative pushed by clean energy advocates in Appalachia will install up to 12 megawatts of solar power in Virginia’s historic coalfield region over the next three years. (Energy News Network)
ALSO:
• Offshore wind energy giant Ørsted is investing heavily in solar, with projects in the works in Texas and Alabama. (Greentech Media)
• New Port Richey, Florida, enters into a long-term agreement with Duke Energy to allow customers to subscribe to solar energy projects. (Suncoast News)
• A solar company and local utility will build a 9 MW solar farm in Tennessee through a 20-year partnership agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority. (Solar Industry)
***SPONSORED LINK: National Clean Energy Week Policy Makers Symposium is September 21-25. Register to hear from members of Congress and leading clean energy innovators. Register today at https://nationalcleanenergyweek.org.***
RENEWABLES: Duke Energy’s newest long-range plan in North Carolina would speed adoption of renewable energy but add as much as $50 to customers’ monthly bills. (WFAE)
OIL & GAS: Emissions from a leaking natural gas well off the Texas coast were down to about 5% of what they were Tuesday, officials say. (Associated Press)
COAL:
• Hundreds of former Blackjewel employees could receive $17.3 million in compensation under a deal proposed to the company. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
• A journalist shares an excerpt from his new book on the uphill battle for miners with black lung disease trying to access medical benefits. (Marketplace)
TRANSMISSION: Hurricane Laura caused “catastrophic” damage to Louisiana’s electric grid and transmission towers, according to Entergy, which will leave some customers without power for weeks. (Daily Energy Insider)
UTILITIES: A recent legal case involving Duke Energy Florida could set a precedent for more secrecy around utility regulation. (Tampa Bay Times)
COMMENTARY:
• An environmental group says the regional electricity market that utilities are pushing for would detract from North Carolina’s efforts to transition to cleaner and more affordable energy. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Voters who care about climate change should vote on the Texas Railroad Commission race, an organizer writes. (San Antonio Express-News)
• An environmental group says regulators need to end utility shut-offs for non-payment, since many people could lose power even as the pandemic continues. (NRDC)