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Welcome to the weekly newsletter of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), the business voice for advanced energy in Michigan. Here’s what’s new this week:
Read Dr. Laura Sherman in Solar Today Magazine
In the fall issue of Solar Today magazine, a publication of the American Solar Energy Society, an op-ed Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman examines the future of small-scale solar projects and how policy can take distributed solar to the next level, building upon the successes of the Inflation Reduction Act.
“The state of solar power has never been brighter in the United States,” she writes, but at the same time, growth driven by the IRA is partially stymied by state policies.
Many state policies needlessly blunt the potential impact of investments” like the IRA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, she writes. “Despite significant recent progress at the state level, the member companies that make up the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council have seen the chilling effects of these policies on the ground. Unfortunately, our state is typical and it is harder to find states where solar is not needlessly held back by these barriers.”
Dr. Sherman discusses how there are proposals in Michigan that, if successful, could reduce these barriers and serve as models for the rest of the country dealing with these issues. One example is the MI Power for All Plan, the set of bills introduced to the state legislature in 2023 to reform regulatory barriers around distributed solar and storage. Another is the need to develop alternative models for utility regulation that tie utility financial incentives to performance. Performance-based regulation “could make utilities less disposed to oppose policy changes favoring distributed solar,” Dr. Sherman writes.
Read the article here.
Announcing October 22 Public Convening on Transportation Electrification
To bring together stakeholders on the topic of how to get Michigan ready for an anticipated two million EVs on roads and 100,000 new EV chargers by 2030, Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan are holding a public convening on Oct. 22 at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab. The event will focus on transportation electrification policies and the release of our Transportation Electrification Roadmap. Tickets are available now.
After speakers and a panel discussion, attendees will be able to participate in a tour of the Detroit Smart Parking Lab.
This event is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
Join Us for Our 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala in Detroit
Michigan EIBC is excited to welcome our members, Michigan legislators and state officials, and the general public to our 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala on September 25th at The Gem Theatre in Detroit. Ticket sales have closed.
The keynote speaker will be Amalgamated Bank Director of Climate Banking Nicole Steele, a nationally recognized leader and expert with over 20 years’ experience in clean energy, focusing on equitable deployment and workforce development. She recently joined Amalgamated Bank as the Director of Climate Banking where she will lead the bank’s efforts to execute on the potential of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Prior to joining Amalgamated, she was instrumental in the development of the GGRF programs including the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF), Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA), and Solar for All (SFA) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and worked in partnership with the U.S. Treasury on the Inflation Reduction Act’s solar tax credits including the Low-Income Communities Bonus Tax Credit.
Thank you to our current sponsors, whose generosity helps to make our annual gala a huge success!
TERAWATT SPONSOR
GIGAWATT SPONSOR
MEGAWATT SPONSORS
KILOWATT SPONSORS
WATT SPONSORS
New Member
Renewable Energy Advisors
Tactical consulting firm with operational and financial experience to guarantee projects are properly structured, financed, and energized to create energy, deliver revenue, and provide sustainable energy.
Renewing Members
Centrepolis manages the C3 Accelerator focused on supporting Cleantech, Climatech and Circular Economy technology companies with physical products, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing innovations. C3 Accelerator has a $5M seed fund and provides in-house design, engineering, prototyping and manufacturing readiness services.
CBS Solar
Located in the Village of Copemish, Contractors Building Supply, Inc. has been in the renewable energy business for nearly 40 years. We have a qualified team to meet all your renewable energy needs. From design and installation to energy assessing and consulting, CBS Solar is here to help you save money on your electric bill. From the smallest system for your home to the largest system for your business, CBS Solar has the experience and knowledge to do the job right!
Energy Alliance Group
In 2012, The Energy Alliance Group of North America (EAG) was started for one purpose, to develop and deploy innovative solutions to energy, waste, and environmental challenges around the world. The differentiating strength of our methods for developing solutions is the holistic approach we take and the extensive knowledge we and our partners have, in technology, financing, incentives, and integrated services – all critical elements to insuring the highest return on investment (ROI) for our clients. Unlike most competitors, EAG is technology agnostic and solution driven. Representing or distributing no particular product or technology, our clients are provided with an optimal solution – not one in which EAG has a vested financial interest. In addition to reducing utility costs, we identify a number of incentives and operational savings to maximize our clients ROI. These include tax incentives, tax credits, utility choice, and other operational cost recovery services that complement the holistic approach we take.
For each opportunity, EAG defines the total cost of ownership for a period of 20-years or longer. Combined with the utility reduction to be achieved, our life cycle cost models include qualified credits and incentives, and identify maintenance, end of life replacement costs and inflation costs – all representing the true cost of ownership and return on investment. This capability and area of expertise, allows a “cradle to grave” approach to efficiency improvement and cost recovery solutions for energy, waste, and environmental challenges, large or small. Together with our technology and service partners, EAG is considered a leader in developing and deploying solutions for energy, waste and environmental challenges, with an expertise in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) funded projects.
Michigan CAT
Michigan CAT Power Systems is Michigan’s premier provider of turnkey Combined Heat & Power (CHP or Cogen) systems. We have the expertise to optimize a CHP system for your facility and the boots on the ground to make sure you get the most out of your investment. Plus, as your Caterpillar dealer, we can offer best in class CAT power generation equipment that is built in the USA. Michigan CAT is also recognized as a leader in providing landfill solutions. Decades of leadership in converting landfill gas to viable energy mean millions of “green” kilowatts provided. Our CHP; Landfill customers include operations across the nation-with hundreds of generators operating in diverse applications.
Michigan State University Sustainability
Sustainability is a Spartan Priority. Our land grant roots power our vision for the future. Established in 1855 as the nation’s pioneer land-grant university and Michigan’s first agricultural college, MSU was called upon to address growing areas of concern in the country: education, agriculture, infrastructure and science. Today, MSU’s 5,200 acre campus is still home to leading research, as well as cutting-edge technologies, award-winning programs and thousands of Spartans working to make a difference every day – addressing sustainability challenges across all disciplines. With dynamic facilities like the South Campus Anaerobic Digester, the Student Organic Farm and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, MSU continues to serve as a beacon for innovative leaders who want to use their educational experience to shape the solutions of tomorrow. MSU continues to set a standard of sustainability excellence for universities globally: by eliminating the use of coal at the T.B. Simon Power Plant in 2016, building the largest solar covered parking area in the nation and continuing to invest in student research, cross-disciplinary partnerships and expanded building efficiencies. Spartans are at the forefront of discovery, building on a foundation of strong core values to deliver high-impact results to the campus community and beyond. Guided by a powerful vision and mission, MSU strives to enable Spartans to conduct this important work on a campus that delivers on efficiency and innovation.
Michigan Energy News
- Michigan Advance reports on the recent study from Michigan EIBC member 5 Lakes Energy and Michigan EIBC examining the ongoing and projected economic impacts of clean energy policies in Michigan.
- DTE estimates that in the long-term customers will save money through the company’s compliance with the state’s renewable energy standards, including taking into account the changes from the 2023 law.
- Planet Detroit reports that a bill to offer tax incentives for data centers may come up for a vote soon as a variety of advocates say the bill needs environmental and consumer protections.
- Crain’s Detroit Business interviews Charles Marshall, vice president of transmission planning at Michigan EIBC member ITC Holdings Corp.
- The Michigan Public Service Commission hears from frustrated DTE customers at a public hearing about the utility’s proposed rate increase.
National Energy News
- Michigan EIBC member Form Energy announces it has completed construction of its Form Factory 1 in West Virginia.
- Michigan EIBC members GM and EVgo are working together to deploy 400 DC-fast charging stations across U.S. major metropolitan areas.
- “The Biden-Harris administration reached a key milestone this week when the Internal Revenue Service issued additional guidance for the 30C Alternative Fuel Refueling Infrastructure (30C) tax credit,” EVgo Executive Vice President, Policy and External Affairs Sara Rafalson writes in a new blog post.
- A new Baltimore Gas and Electric pilot program, in collaboration with Michigan EIBC member Sunrun, taps electric Ford F-150s to provide electricity for home energy usage at times of peak demand.
Job Board
Attention Michigan EIBC members: if you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send a paragraph describing the position and a link to apply to Matt Bandyk at matt@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.
Elevate
Senior Director, Policy (Federal). Location: Chicago.
The Senior Director, Policy (Federal) supports Elevate’s mission by ensuring its mission and strategies are well-represented in the federal policy environment and brings Elevate’s expertise to federal policy actions. The Sr. Director, Policy (Federal) leads Elevate’s federal policy initiatives and advocacy efforts and collaborates with the Policy Team to inform integration of those efforts at the state and local levels; ensuring the furtherance of Elevate’s mission to advance clean, affordable energy, and water at the intersection of racial economic justice. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy is a newly created position and is responsible for furthering Elevate’s leadership and effectiveness in the federal space, creating opportunities to partner with, and is responsive to the needs of environmental justice and other historically underserved populations and communities. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy keeps Elevate staff, partners, stakeholders, and the broader policy ecosystem informed on relevant federal initiatives. The position represents Elevate in key White House and federal department initiatives and leads and serves on working groups, advisory groups, and other relevant federal policy forums.
Pivot Energy
Manager, Project Development – Execution. Location: Ohio/Pittsburgh/Chicago/Detroit/Remote.
The Manager, Project Development will be involved in site diligence and project development efforts. The Manager will also manage third-party contractors, prepare and execute land use permits, plan, organize, and lead public outreach, and represent Pivot at land use hearings. The individual will support ongoing site development efforts, assess solar sites for critical issues related to project development, and create and secure land lease amendments with landowners for solar development.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
Engineer 12 – Building Trade Industry Engineer. Location: Lansing.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is currently recruiting for an Engineer 12 position within the Materials Management Division (MMD). This position is in Lansing and is open to all applicants.
Michigan Public Service Commission
Departmental Analyst Trainee. Location: Lansing.
This position serves as a case coordinator and contact person for renewable energy and energy storage siting (RESS) applications filed, complaint cases, or other cases related to renewable energy facility siting and Public Act 233 of 2023. Work as part of a team at times analyzing the evidence submitted by siting applicants to determine if they meet the laws, rules and Commission order guidelines for renewable energy and energy storage facility siting. Provide witness testimony as directed. Support the assigned attorney in the preparation of briefs, reply briefs, and replies on siting issues that may arise in administrative proceedings before the Commission. Attend meetings with the public, local units of government, siting applicants, contractors, and interested parties related to facility siting. Participate in the development of request for proposals to solicit bids from contractors to support the review of siting applications as needed. Coordinate the work of external contractors as needed. Provide information needed for the renewable energy and energy storage facility decommissioning financial assurance process and siting application fee calculation. Ensure applicants have complied with Commission orders related to siting through inquiries, the review of reports and data submitted, complaints, and meetings with internal and external parties.
Public Utilities Engineer. Location: Lansing.
This position serves as an engineer reviewing and analyzing applications for renewable energy and energy storage siting cases, contested complaint cases, or other cases related to renewable energy facility siting and Public Act 233 of 2023. Work independently at times and as part of a team at times analyzing the evidence submitted by siting applicants to determine if they meet the laws, rules, specifications, and Commission order guidelines for renewable energy and energy storage facility siting. Provide Staff recommendations to management and contributing witness testimony on technical matters in siting cases as directed. Technical matters in siting cases include site plans, decommissioning plans, decommissioning agreements, sound modeling studies, glare studies, construction plans, environmental, health, and safety impacts, alternatives analyses, impacts on land use, and other matters as directed. Support the assigned attorney in the preparation of briefs, reply briefs, and replies on siting issues that may arise in judicial proceedings before the Commission. Represent the Commission in meetings with the public, local units of government, siting applicants, contractors, and interested parties related to facility siting. Participate with the development of request for proposals to solicit bids from contractors to support with the review of siting applications as needed. Coordinate the work of external contractors as needed. Ensure applicants have complied with Commission orders related to siting through inquiries, site visits, inspections, the review of reports and data submitted, complaints, and meetings with internal and external parties. Advise management on steps to ensure facilities remain in compliance with Commission orders.
Walker-Miller Energy Services
Program Manager. Location: Detroit
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Manager to lead a large-scale, high-profile residential energy efficiency and electrification program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 4 of experience in program management, a deep understanding of energy efficiency for both residential and multi-family sectors, and experience within electrification. This role requires strong leadership, excellent client interfacing skills, and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.
Outreach Manager. Location: Detroit.
We are seeking an experienced Outreach Manager to lead the outreach and engagement for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of outreach experience and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in outreach and engagement, and managing campaigns, with diverse stakeholders.
Field Operations Manager. Location: Detroit.
We are seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead the field team and activities for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of experience in managing a field team and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in home and building assessments, quality assurance and quality control processes, and supervising a field team.
Michigan and National Energy Events
The 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala will be held in Detroit on Sept. 25. Tickets are available now.
The C3 Summit, sponsored by Michigan EIBC member Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan EGLE, Breakthrough Energy Fellows and American Made Challenge, will be held in Novi on Oct. 1. Find out more here.
On Oct. 2, NextCycle Michigan will hold its 2024 Fall Showcase, which “will feature equitable public sector and innovative business projects focused on the sustainable use of materials in Michigan,” according to its website. “After six months of refining business plans, identifying supply chains, creating marketing strategies, and calculating impacts, teams are poised to pitch their projects to an audience of industry leaders, public sector decision-makers, potential partners and prospective investors.” Register here.
The Vehicle-Grid Integration Council is hosting EVolve on Oct. 9 in Berkeley, Calif. Join industry changemakers for a 1-day, in-person event to network and learn from thought leaders accelerating and shaping the future of VGI. Register here.
Tickets are available for Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan’s Public Convening to Discuss Transportation Electrification Policies on Oct. 22 in Detroit.
The State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME) is hosting the MI Future Mobility Conference in Detroit on Oct. 24. Register to attend here.
Opportunities
The Michigan Public Service Commission has created a website tracking its progress implementing Public Acts 229, 231, 233, 234, and 235, passed on Nov. 8, 2023 and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 28.
Rheaply, NextCycle Michigan and Michigan EGLE have launched the Michigan Materials Marketplace, which allows businesses to buy and sell excess materials so they can be reused instead of discarded.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has an open MI Healthy Climate Corps position for 2024 to 2025. “This position is with the Strategic Sector Development and Supply Chain Resiliency team, which is focused on driving clean energy developments in the State. We are leveraging the momentum of the Governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan and pursuing this development through a variety of novel initiatives, such as pitch competitions, supplier diversification, and ecosystem construction.” Applications are due Sept. 8.
The federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has extended the deadline for applications to the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program Round 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity to Sept. 11.
Let’s Grow Michigan’s PitchMI startup competition, which will award investment to startups working on the topic of roads and mobility, has a Sept. 16 deadline for applications.
The Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for “up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States.” The related Notice of Funding Opportunity is expected to be released in the fall of 2024. Find out more here.
The U.S. Department of Energy has launched the Innovative Queue Management Solutions (iQMS) for Clean Energy Interconnection and Energization program that “will award $11.2 million across 25 distribution utilities for innovative approaches that can accelerate timelines for clean energy and EV charging projects.” Applications are due Oct. 16.
DTE Electric has re-opened its 2024 Renewable Energy All Source RFP. Proposals are due by Oct. 29. Links: 2024 Solar BTA – RFP. 2024 Solar PPA – RFP. 2024 Wind BTA – RFP. 2024 Wind PPA – RFP.
The Department of Energy has released the Fiscal Year 2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Batteries Funding Opportunity Announcement, which is offering $43 million “in funding for projects that will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in several areas critical to the future of advanced batteries.” The deadline for full applications is Oct. 30.
Michigan EGLE is launching the Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA), which makes Michigan municipalities that have, on or after October 1, 2023, begun physically hosting and/or performing local permitting for any portion of an eligible renewable energy project eligible for awards of $5,000 per MW. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted and there is no specific deadline. More information on this opportunity can be found on the RRCA Webpage.
Michigan EGLE is offering at least $320,000 in funding MI Solar Communities-MI Solar Access Program. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025, or when funding is expended, whichever comes first. Find the request for proposals for MI Solar Access here.
Michigan EGLE has released an RFP for grants from its Clean Energy Workforce Development Program. The application deadline is July 30, 2025.