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October 6, 2024

Newsletter: Audit of DTE and Consumers Energy and More

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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:

    Distribution Grid Audit Shows Need for New Approaches to Reliability in Michigan

    The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently released the results of an audit of the distribution grid practices of DTE and Consumers Energy that MPSC Chair Dan Scripps describes as a possible roadmap for how to improve the utilities’ poor record on electric reliability.

    The audit, completed by third-party consultant The Liberty Consulting Group, “underscores that now is the time for both companies to focus more on strategic investments to prevent outages rather than reacting to them,” Scripps said, as reported by MLive.

    One of the biggest ways that DTE and Consumers Energy fail to prevent outages has to do with how relatively infrequently they trim trees around power lines, leaving lines vulnerable to being knocked down by falling branches. The audit found that in practice DTE trims trees on a five-to-seven-year cycle while Consumers is on a 10-year cycle, and compared the Michigan utilities to Illinois utilities that trim on four-year cycles and do better on reliability, Planet Detroit reported.

    In a blog post, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Michigan pointed to findings from the audit that show how the utilities have pursued distribution grid strategies that are not cost-effective for improving reliability.

    For example, Consumers Energy replaces poles and transformers whenever they reach a certain age, regardless of the equipment’s underlying condition. The utility’s approach for replacement is “excessive,” John Antonuk of The Liberty Consulting Group said in a Sept. 26 presentation of the audit’s findings to the MPSC.

    The takeaway, CUB argued, is that utilities are financially motivated to replace equipment too frequently because doing so allows them to make bigger capital investments that generate a bigger return for their shareholders. 

    To address this misalignment of incentives, parties including Michigan EIBC have called for the introduction of performance-based regulation, under which utility earnings would be more directly tied to how the utilities perform on metrics like those that gauge reliability of service and integration of distributed energy resources like solar and storage. Most recently, Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United filed comments on an MPSC straw proposal for a financial incentive/penalty approach tied to reliability performance in which the groups supported the use of penalties to motivate utilities to do better on reliability, but warned the MPSC against offering incentives while performance is substandard.

    Michigan EIBC, Advanced Energy United See Room for Improvement in DTE Expedited Pilot Project Proposal

    A new process for expediting approval at the MPSC of utility pilot projects holds promise for generating innovation, but a DTE proposal for expedited pilots needs to be reworked because it includes ideas for non-innovative, previously rejected concepts and lacks robust opportunities for stakeholder input and third-party involvement, according to comments recently filed with the MPSC by Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United.

    The idea for speeding up the regulatory approval for certain innovative pilots came out of the MPSC’s MI Power Grid initiative, and Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United have supported the general idea as long as stakeholders are involved in the development of pilots and third-party companies are given an opportunity to participate in these projects.

    DTE has put forth a workplan to guide future expedited pilots. In the latest comments, Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United argue that DTE’s workplan “violates the core spirit of the process” by including concepts that do not involve any kind of new problem or solution, and thus do not involve innovation. For example, DTE includes in its workplan that it may consider pilots to explore modifications to the utility’s tree trimming program. “A tree trimming pilot to test the effectiveness of preventative tree trimming is not new or innovative and not an appropriate use of these limited expedited pilot funds,” our comments said.

    Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United also expressed concern that DTE is trying to use the expedited pilot process to get easier approval for projects that do not properly involve third party participation and have been previously rejected by the MPSC. For example, another proposed concept by DTE calls for the exploration of utility-owned behind-the-meter solar and storage. “Although Michigan EIBC/United would be interested in considering expedited pilots that explore the use of microgrids and third-party aggregation of customer-owned solar and storage systems, it is unreasonable for the Company to propose in this expedited process a pilot involving utility ownership of such systems given that such pilots have been repeatedly rejected by the Commission,” the comments said.

    In other areas, DTE’s workplan points to pilots that would be innovative and that our comments say could be “ideal candidates” for expedited pilots. These include piloting technologies that could accelerate decarbonization by influencing customers to shift load.

    See More Photos from the 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala

    Our 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala at the Gem Theatre in Detroit was a huge success! A photo album from the event is now available for viewing.

     

    New Member

    Third Pillar Solar

    Third Pillar Solar is an American energy company that partners with waterbody and brownfield site owners to transform underused real-estate into valuable energy projects. By focusing equally on the community, environmental, and economic value of projects, we develop assets that we are proud to own and operate long-term.

    Renewing Members

    Cordelio Power

    Cordelio is a renewable power developer that manages and owns over 1.2 GW of operating assets across North America with a heavy focus on future growth. Cordelio’s growth pipeline currently includes 18+ GW of wind, solar and storage projects across the U.S.

    CVE North America

    CVE North America, Inc. is the US subsidiary of CVE group, an international Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer specialized in solar and biogas with operations in France, Chile, Africa and the United States. In the US, CVE North America is engaged in the development, construction, financing, and ultimate operation and ownership of utility-scale solar photovoltaic generation facilities. CVE is operating and commercializing community solar projects in the Northeast while rapidly expanding to other states.

    Oracle 
    Oracle Energy & Water offers a complete suite of operational applications and cloud services for electric, natural gas, and water utilities world-wide that automate core operational processes and enable compliance in a dynamic and changing industry. As part of Oracle Energy & Water, Opower incorporates industry-leading behavioral energy efficiency, behavioral demand response, and customer engagement capabilities, including a focus on affordability and equity. The company’s solutions have helped save thirty-two terawatt-hours of energy and more than $3 billion in energy bills.


    ​

    Michigan Energy News

    • The U.S. Department of Energy announces that Holtec International will receive a loan guarantee of up to $1.52 billion to restart the Palisades nuclear plant, while Hoosier Energy and Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative will receive about $1.3 billion from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to partially offset the cost of purchasing power from the plant.
    • “If Michigan’s bet on new clean energy manufacturing works out, it would offer the clearest test case nationally of the Biden-Harris strategy to make clean energy the engine of manufacturing revival,” Canary Media reports.
    • NanoGraf, a company that makes silicon anode materials for EV batteries, won a $60 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to move into a new factory in Flint. 
    • The Michigan State University Industrial Training Assessment Center and the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute are using a federal grant to launch the Michigan Automotive Supply Chain Technical Assistance Program, which will help companies shift toward the EV supply chain.
    • The Building Performance Association Journal republishes Dr. Laura Sherman’s article about the future of distributed solar that was originally published in Solar Today.

    National Energy News

    • Michigan EIBC member EVgo receives a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for a $1.05 billion loan guarantee to support the deployment of about 7,500 charging ports at roughly 1,100 charging stations.
    • The U.S. could need 300 GW of new power capacity under a high-growth scenario, according to a new report.
    • Project developers and clean energy groups are opposing a PJM rule that they say blocks the addition of battery storage next to power plants that have surplus grid capacity.
    • Solar-plus-storage projects made up over 50% of the active bulk solar capacity in the U.S. interconnection queue at the end of 2023, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
    • A new study finds that Midwest solar farms have a slight positive effect on property values.


    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.

    Harvest Solar

    Lead Electrical Engineer. Location: Michigan.

    Harvest Solar is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to design and develop electrical drawings for solar PV projects considering geography, physical layouts, solar racking type, solar panel and inverter type, interconnection phase/voltage, service size, electrical design, project constraints, project goals, and relevant codes.

    Solar Sales Consultant. Location: Illinois.

    Harvest Solar is seeking a Solar Sales Consultant to drive the sales of solar systems in Illinois. The successful candidate will live in the area they service, be willing to meet face to face with customers within that area and educate the customer on the benefit of solar energy. Harvest Solar provides a business-use vehicle to support home visits, cold calling, and other business travel in addition to providing the necessary equipment to establish a home office.

    Solar Sales Consultant. Location: Grand Rapids.

    Harvest Solar is seeking a Solar Sales Consultant to drive solar system sales in the Greater Grand Rapids Area. The Solar Sales Consultant is responsible for the origination of new business by identifying customer prospects, developing solar energy proposals, and executing all transactions required to consummate a sale and that meet the company sales goals. The position requires direct customer interaction to manage the customer through the entire sales process and beyond ensuring superior customer service and referral opportunities. The position will primarily focus on rural residential, agricultural, and small business opportunities.

    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 Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

    Program and Operations Manager. Location: Lansing.

    The Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) is seeking an experienced professional with a background in project planning or program management to serve as a Program and Operations Manager. This is a foundational role in the new Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, supporting our mission of ensuring that communities, workers and employers facing transitions in the auto and utility sectors have the support they need to prepare for, benefit from, and shape Michigan’s future economy. This role will support strategic planning efforts and coordinate key projects across the office’s community, workforce, industry, and research functions. Successful candidates will have experience tracking project progress and keeping complex initiatives on track, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a passion for public service.

    Engagement Director. Location: Lansing.

    The Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Engagement Director for the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. This is a senior role on our team, acting as an advisor on all engagement and programmatic activities to the Office Director. The Director of Engagement will play a significant role in developing and implementing office programs and executing engagement strategies that support our mission of ensuring that communities, workers and employers facing transitions in the auto and utility sectors have the support they need to prepare for, benefit from, and shape Michigan’s future economy. This individual will also serve as a key liaison to external stakeholders in business, labor, and local officials, as well as other state departments. Successful candidates will have experience in program design and implementation, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a passion for public service.

    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 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 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.

    Michigan businesses have until Oct. 18 to apply for workforce training funding from cycle 1 of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Going PRO Talent Fund.

    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.