Electrified Greed
S.C. utilities push for more gas, ‘blank check,’ amid specter of past scandal
The scramble to increase supply has state lawmakers debating a fast-tracked bill that locks in new gas and undoes hard-won reforms
Mario Alejandro Ariza/Floodlight
Mario is an investigative reporter and a Dominican immigrant. His byline has appeared in the South Florida Sun Sentinel, The New Republic and NPR. mario@floodlightnews.org
Electrified Greed
Ohio Gov. DeWine campaign got secret $2.5 million boost from power company, new records show
A dark money group funded by FirstEnergy spent $2.5 million to support the GOP hopeful as the utility pushed bailout of struggling nuclear plants.
Gulf Coast
23 states ask EPA to halt civil rights rules regulating pollution
The dispute stems from a ruling by a Louisiana judge that the agency’s application of race-based considerations exceeds its authority.
Polluting Democracy
Florida GOP operative admits role in ‘ghost’ candidate scheme that defeated utility-targeted Dem
A Republican consultant's deposition reveals he OK’d the plan to run a third-party candidate to defeat Florida Power & Light nemesis.
Polluting Democracy
Revealed: FirstEnergy gave $1 million to boost Ohio Lt. Gov. campaign before scandal
Records show Jon Husted worked behind the scenes to bail out the company’s nuclear power plants. The million dollar donation was secret — until now.
Utilities
Fraud and corruption on rise at US utilities, threatening energy transition
A Floodlight analysis finds a historic surge in power company fraud and corruption. The lies and bribes cost consumers — and threaten the planet.
Polluting Democracy
‘What corruption gets you’: How utility companies bought support in the Black south
A joint investigation by Floodlight and Capital B shows millions of dollars flowed from utilities to Black leaders and their groups since at least 2009.
Polluting Democracy
How a utility’s silent spending to control energy policy might determine abortion rights in Florida
Over the past five years, the largest power company in the U.S. quietly financed groups working to restrict Floridians’ ability to change laws independent of the legislature.
Polluting Democracy
Maine power companies are spending millions to defeat a vote to dethrone them
This fall, Mainers could cut ties with their utilities. The companies are buying influence to try to stay in power.
Polluting Democracy
Power companies quietly pushed $215m into US politics via dark money groups
Donations have helped utilities increase electricity prices, hinder solar schemes and helped elect sympathetic legislators.
Power Play
Florida Power CEO implicated in scandals abruptly steps down
Florida Power & Light CEO Eric Silagy announced his retirement on Wednesday. The company says the move was not prompted by recent scandals.
Polluting Democracy
Ohio Republicans accused of taking $60 million in bribes as corruption trial opens
Prosecutors built their racketeering case with wiretaps, undercover agents and confidential sources.
Power Play
She was an ABC News producer. She also was a corporate operative.
ABC News producer in Florida becomes a corporate operative.
Power Play
In the Southeast, power company money flows to news sites that attack their critics
Power company money flows to media attacking critics in Florida, Alabama.
Power Play
Leaked: US power companies secretly spending millions to protect profits and fight clean energy
Leaked: U.S. power companies secretly spending millions to protect profits and fight clean energy One industry consulting firm has influenced politics across Florida, Alabama and at least six other states.
Power Play
Firm working for FPL took control of news site, let execs influence coverage, records show
Political consulting firm Matrix also considered purchasing or creating other news sites, records show.