NEWS: From the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic, utilities are going all in to bolster the grid.

In Michigan: Consumers Energy has shared its 20-year “all-of-the-above” gameplan to more than double its capacity by 2040 (while keeping ratepayer cost increases below the rate of inflation). It includes over 19 GW of new solar, wind, and BESS by 2040 (along with 1.4 GW of new gas). Consumers expects a decision from state officials within the next year.

In Illinois: ComEd is flexing its grid hardening efforts. The utility reported a 48% boost in reliability over the past decade, and said it has saved customers $5B in outage costs. But…the company’s proposed $15.3B four-year grid plan has sparked criticism for including over $1B “in questionable spending,” according to consumer advocates.

In Maryland: Potomac Edison is asking for a nearly $53M rate hike (which would up the average residential customer’s bill by roughly 5%). Why? To give aging infrastructure an upgrade and prep for severe weather. The company noted that the increase would still keep rates lower than other Maryland IOUs.