All posts by Matt Kasper

Matt Kasper is the Deputy Director at the Energy and Policy Institute. He focuses on defending policies that further the development of clean energy sources. He also focuses on the companies and their front groups that obstruct policy solutions to global warming. Before joining the Energy and Policy Institute in 2014, Matt was a research assistant at the Center for American Progress where he worked on various state and local policy issues.

FOIA Documents Reveal Tennessee Valley Authority’s Role in the Utility Air Regulatory Group

Newly released documents detail the Tennessee Valley Authority’s relationship with the now-defunct Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG). Hundreds of emails, calendar invitations, budget documents, and Hunton Andrews Kurth billing details...

/ April 6, 2021

Michigan utilities’ front groups begin misleading ad campaigns ahead of a vote on energy legislation

Two front groups with connections to DTE Energy and Consumers Energy launched a Facebook ad campaign last week ahead of a possible vote on solar energy legislation. DTE Energy’s Alliance...

/ March 30, 2021

Some utility companies “pause” or “evaluate” PAC giving; others remain silent

Alabama Power contributed to rally sponsor RLDF in 2020

/ January 15, 2021
Kyger Creek Power Plant

Many U.S. electric utilities plan slow decarbonization over next decade, out of sync with Biden plan

“Net-zero” goals proliferate, but speed, integrity of commitments varies greatly

/ December 1, 2020

Utility CEOs contribute personal money to help Republicans; Utility PACs also favor GOP

Analysis of federal campaign dollars in the 2020 election cycle

/ October 22, 2020

Warren Buffett’s Methane Emissions Purchase From Dominion Energy

Berkshire Hathaway now is responsible for another estimated 1,663,568 metric tons of CO2e, at a minimum, from Dominion’s midstream gas infrastructure - an increase of about 40% over its previous...

/ August 20, 2020

Consumers Energy-Funded 501(c)(4) Citizens for Energizing Michigan’s Economy Is Active Again, Promoting Specific Candidates

Citizens for Energizing Michigan’s Economy (CEME), a dark money 501(c)(4) that has received at least $43 million from Consumers Energy since 2014, is promoting at least five candidates who are...

/ August 3, 2020
Utility Corruption

FirstEnergy scandal is latest example of utility corruption, deceit

Utilities have deceived public officials and investors to grow profits, occasionally leading to criminal investigations and prosecution.

/ July 23, 2020
DTE Energy set a net-zero carbon goal but continues to invest in gas

Michigan’s new PSC members will decide whether DTE electric customers should pay for some NEXUS gas pipeline costs

“DTE ratepayers should not be burdened with the unreasonable and unlawful costs resulting from DTE’s bad deal with its affiliate NEXUS” - Michigan Environmental Council

/ June 3, 2020