Michigan EIBC Newsletter: Watching for Fees on Distributed Generation, New Intern Opportunity and More

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:

New House Resolutions Would Investigate Attempts to Penalize Distributed Generation

Concerned about growing threats to their constituents’ access to solar energy, several Michigan legislators are asking for more information from Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) about utility proposals to place fixed charges on customers in their distributed generation programs.

Fixed charges that burden rooftop solar users have been an unfortunately growing trend around the country. One of the most prominent examples for Michigan is in DTE’s new electric rate case, in which the company is proposing to charge future customers in its residential solar program based on peak demand, slapping participants with a fee that could amount to $100 a month or more.

On May 4, with the support of about a dozen other lawmakers, Rep. Greg Markkanen introduced House Resolution 284 and House Resolution 285 to the House Committee on Energy. Both resolutions noted that “since the establishment of the distributed generation program, a series of rate cases have been filed by multiple regulated utilities requesting additional charges, fees, or rates be applied to distributed generation residential customers” and that these charges, fees or rates “would penalize residential solar customers with higher costs for their energy use even while providing surplus energy to the grid.”

HR 284 would ask the Attorney General to provide evidence or testimony about these rate cases to the House Energy Committee, while HR 285 would ask the MPSC to prepare a report that provides “an estimate of the projected impact on customer costs of those charges, fees, or rates.”  


 

Michigan EIBC Seeking Business Development Intern

Do you know anyone who wants to learn how an organization like the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council works and do so as a paid intern? Please recommend someone (or apply!) for our opening for a Business Development, Membership and Events intern. 

The selected candidate will be expected to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to this role starting on or around June 1, 2022. The internship will be 6 months in length, with the potential opportunity to extend upon mutual agreement. Attendance is expected at scheduled virtual meetings during normal business hours and in-person events, which will occur during and outside of normal business hours, but other work can occur when mutually convenient. The selected intern will be paid a stipend of $500 per month.

Anticipated Tasks: Membership

● Assist in managing, maintaining, and organizing membership information and data
across multiple software platforms
● Maintenance and clean-up of membership data in Salesforce
● Communicate professionally with Michigan EIBC members
● Assist with member retention and new member outreach

Anticipated Tasks: Events

● Assist in event logistics planning and tracking
● Assist with preparation, execution, and follow-up for events
● Assist Director in compiling and tracking event databases
● Inventory tracking of event supplies

To apply, please complete this form including submission of a resume and cover letter. Applications will be received through 5:00pm on Friday, May 20, 2022. Please reach out to Brianna Gerard (brianna@mieibc.org) with any questions.  


 


 

Register for May 23 EV Convening in Lansing

Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan’s next EV Convening on May 23 is free and open to the public! Register here to join us at Public Sector Consultants at 230 N. Washington Square, Lansing.

The topic of the Convening is Moving Toward the Mobility Future: Opportunities for EVs in Michigan. Given the increase in federal funding focused on EVs and EV charging infrastructure, there is a need to ensure that Michigan is ready to take advantage of all of the coming opportunities. Specifically, the Infrastructure, Investments, and Jobs Act, will provide Michigan with $110 million for EV charging infrastructure, as well as the opportunity to compete for significant grant funds. It is critical that we build upon the success of the utility EV pilot programs and partnerships between the state, the utilities, and stakeholders.

This EV convening will focus on leveraging federal funding to expand EV charging infrastructure, as well as expanding and supporting efforts to ensure successful transition of the utility EV programs from pilot programs to permanent programs. 

Sponsored by:


Renewing Members

The AES Corporation
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today.

Chart House Energy
Chart House Energy is a full service commercial / industrial renewable energy development firm with specialty in not-for-profit and governmental agency projects.

Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC
Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, founded in 2012, is a woman owned MBE certified, full service multi-million-dollar energy consulting firm specializing in green energy and environmental solutions.  Dunamis serves commercial, industrial, and municipal clients, both domestically and internationally.  We are dedicated to becoming the global leader in four energy sectors:  Horticulture, Lighting, EV-Charging and Environmental.

GEM Energy
GEM Energy provides comprehensive services and technologies to improve customer business performance and reduce facility operation costs by providing expertise in engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance. Services include combined heat and power (CHP) systems; HVAC and plumbing, facility management, utility procurement, solar development and building automation controls for the commercial, industrial, institutional and mission critical markets. GEM Energy is part of the Rudolph Libbe Group (RLG), a one-stop provider of construction and facility services ranging  from site selection and construction to energy solutions and ongoing facility management. The full-service contractor, comprised of Rudolph Libbe Inc., GEM Inc., GEM Energy, Lehman Daman and Rudolph Libbe Properties, is focused on ensuring its customers succeed.  Our headquarters is in Toledo with offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Lima, Ohio; Ithaca, New York; and Detroit, Michigan areas.

Renewable Properties
Founded in 2017, Renewable Properties specializes in developing and investing in small-scale utility and commercial solar energy projects throughout the U.S. Led by experienced renewable energy professionals with development and investment experience, Renewable Properties works closely with communities, developers, landowners, utilities and financial institutions looking to invest in large solar energy systems.


 

Michigan Energy News

  • Ann Arbor-based SkySpecs Inc., a Michigan EIBC member, closes an $80 million Series D funding round.
  • Gov. Whitmer appoints Jane McCurry of Clean Fuels Michigan and Matthew Rudnick of Michigan EIBC member General Motors to the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification.
  • Ann Arbor is more than doubling the number of EV chargers in its public parking system.
  • Michigan State University debuts its electric, autonomous bus.
  • DTE shareholders vote down an activist proposal that would have required the company to track the emissions from end-users of natural gas.
  • MPSC Chair Dan Scripps says the impending closure of the Palisades nuclear plant makes “the hill tougher to climb” in terms of cutting Michigan’s emissions.
  • “The [electric] vehicles are here. They’re available. Not just high-end luxury vehicles. Not just passenger cars,” Michigan EIBC member Rhombus Energy Solutions VP of Worldwide Sales Manoj Karwa said at a panel hosted by Clean Fuels Michigan and the Environmental Defense Fund. “We’re working on providing infrastructure for transit buses, school buses, garbage trucks, last-mile delivery, off-road. It’s tremendous.”

National Energy News

  • In a new report, Energy Innovation finds that EVs can be cheaper than gas-powered vehicles on a monthly basis in ways not yet fully appreciated by consumers.
  • Michigan EIBC member Schneider Electric buys distributed energy resource platform AutoGrid.
  • The White House announces an “action plan” for how it plans to speed up environmental reviews of infrastructure projects including offshore wind and other renewable energy projects. 
  • The U.S. Department of Energy issues its formal notice of intent to establish the Transmission Facilitation Program, a $2.5 billion revolving fund to incentivize major transmission projects.
  • Mary Barra, the chief executive of Michigan EIBC member General Motors, says her company can gain a competitive advantage in the EV market by producing more affordable vehicles.
  • Rising natural gas prices cause power prices in PJM Interconnection to jump 51% in the first quarter of 2022. 

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.

Advanced Energy Economy

Position: Executive Director, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance / Policy Director, AEE. Austin, Texas, location preferred, but other Texas locations will be considered. AEE seeks a smart, innovative, and politically savvy Director to join AEE’s professional services team and lead our Texas engagement as the Executive Director of TAEBA. TAEBA’s Executive Director will lead and shape policy advocacy strategies in Texas and will work collaboratively with team members to develop and implement multi-year strategies and campaigns designed to achieve policy successes at the state and wholesale market level that will expand markets for the advanced energy industry and accelerate the transition to clean energy in Texas.  

Advanced Energy Economy

Position: Policy Director  – Decision Maker Education and Engagement & Wholesale Markets. East Coast location. AEE seeks a smart, innovative, and politically savvy Director to join AEE’s professional services team. To support the U.S. transition to 100% clean energy and electrified transportation, the Director will work with AEE team members to engage with and educate key decision makers on advanced energy, and to initiate, develop, and implement multi-year strategies designed to transform federally regulated wholesale electricity markets. The wholesale markets work will focus on building stakeholder coalitions in support of market rule changes necessary to support the growth of clean energy resources and speed the retirement of aging incumbent generating technologies in competitive wholesale electricity markets. The Director will also build and execute programs to educate key decision makers on advanced energy technologies and solutions to energy challenges facing them, whether through work with and at NARUC, regional NARUCs, or through other educational fora.

AES

Position: Manager, Government Relations (MISO). Salt Lake City.

The Manager of Government Affairs will lead AESCE’s public policy efforts related to wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, as well as other technologies as determined for key states in the central and western part of the U.S.. They will assist in the establishment of AESCE strategies, that align with laws, regulations, and policies where AESCE works. The Manager will also provide ongoing analysis and information to the development, strategic development, operations and commercial team for the identification of new market opportunities, response to new opportunities, and optimization of project assets.  Additionally, the Manager will identify potential policy changes or modifications that may benefit the business and collaborate with internal teams to develop a coordinated strategy.  A key function will be maintaining strong relationships with government officials, associated authorities, state agencies, committees, and other industry and partner organizations. This role will have a strong understanding of AESCE’s assets and products and be a capable communicator and team player.

AES

Position: Manager, Stakeholder Relations (MISO & ERCOT). Indianapolis or Houston.

AES is actively developing a diverse renewable energy portfolio across the Midwest and Texas, and our development efforts require strong stakeholder relationships for our business to be successful. The Manager of Stakeholder Relations, MISO & ERCOT, will partner with cross-functional teams to execute project-specific and regional stakeholder relations strategies supporting business and project success.

Ranger Power

Position: Assistant Development Manager
 Ranger Power is seeking an Assistant Development Manager to join its development team in its Chicago office.  As part of a small and dynamic development team, assistant development managers are expected to manage varying responsibilities as projects progress through the development process.  As a developer at Ranger Power, you will drive all aspects of project development and strategy, including site prospecting and land acquisition, site analysis, landowner relations, permitting, interconnection, business development, and community engagement and outreach.


Michigan and National Energy Events

On July 12-14, PlugVolt will be hosting its next Battery Seminar in Plymouth, MI (USA) featuring an entire day of in-depth technical tutorials on solid-state batteries, next-gen anodes and cathodes, battery diagnostics, failures, battery management systems, etc. by world renowned professors from Top 50 US Universities. Attendees will also get an exclusive opportunity to tour INTERTEK Battery Testing Center of Excellence in Plymouth, MI (USA) firsthand, ask questions to resident experts, and enjoy some light appetizers and beverages while networking with industry peers. Register here.

Attention legislators, legislative staff, administration officials and Michigan EIBC members: Join the Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI) for an Energy Storage 101 Lunch & Learn on May 18 at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. Contact Brianna Gerard for more information.

On May 23, please join Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan for an EV Convening on “Moving Toward the Mobility Future: Opportunities for EVs in Michigan.” This free event, open to both members and the public, will be held at Public Sector Consultants at 230 N. Washington Square, Lansing. Register here.  

Opportunities

The DOE is seeking input on how to implement a resilient and efficient building code. This information will be used to develop a potential FOA. Responses to the Request for Information must be received by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on May 20.

The Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing FOA has a deadline of May 27 for letters of intent and July 1 for full applications.

Concept papers in response to the DOE’s Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling & Second-Life Applications FOA are due May 31 and full applications are due July 19.

Entities can receive funding for projects related to zero-emission vehicles under the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grants program or Low- and No-Emissions (Low-No) Program must submit a zero-emission fleet transition plan. Applications are due May 31.

This April and May, Michigan Energy Options (MEO) Executive Director John A. Kinch, PhD, will teach a course in the Grand Valley State University Seidman College of Business on “Energy, Climate and Michigan Communities.” MEO is a member of MIEIBC and Kinch will host President Laura Sherman, PhD, speaking on “Renewable Energy Policy: The Good, Bad and The Not Enough.” Other expert guest speakers will address the solar industry, community energy equity and resiliency, decarbonizing the business sector and climate action. The course is intended for business professionals, local government officials, engaged community members and college students. Scholarships are available! Visit the website about the course here.

Aaron Kurz, a former Michigan EIBC intern and University of Michigan alum, is working to build a state-level Science Policy Fellowship in Michigan, the Michigan Initiative for Science Policy (MISP). This program will place five recent STEM PhD recipients throughout the Michigan state government to provide a source of non-partisan, evidence-based information to decision makers. MISP will join the 10 other state programs throughout the country, including Idaho, Missouri, and New Jersey. Additional information about this initiative may be found at miscipol.org. If you are interested in providing written support for MISP, please contact Aaron at aaron.kurz@miscipol.org.

Consumers Energy has released draft materials for its RFP that will solicit solar and wind generation projects in accordance with the company’s expansion of its Voluntary Green Pricing Program. This RFP will be administered by Enel X, affiliated with Michigan EIBC member Enel Green Power. According to the RFP administrator, “questions pertaining to this RFP or the proposal submittal process can be sent via email to Enel X by way of VGPRFP@enel.com. In the event others within your organization did not receive this notice and are interested in being added to the RFP listserv, please send a request via email to VGPRFP@enel.com with contact details for those to be added. Final proposals are due May 31.

The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations has released a Request for Information to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to Section 41001 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which appropriated $505 million to advance energy storage systems toward widespread commercial deployment by lowering the costs and increasing the duration of energy storage resources. Replies to this RFI are due by June 16

Michigan EIBC member Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University is accepting applications for its C3 Accelerator. Apply here by June 30. C3 is a growth stage Accelerator with up to $1.6M in funding in the form of grants, investments, and services to support the product development and scaling of Cleantech, Climatech, and Circular Economy technologies. 

The Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4) is seeking a full-time contract position to provide coordination of C4 leadership, organizational representatives, Grand Rapids residents, and the program deliverables. 

State of Michigan DNR is going big in solar with projects in the ground, others in development and additional ones being planned. DNR has released a Request for Proposal for Prequalification Program for Renewable Energy PPAs: www.michigan.gov/sigmavss. Use “Guest Access” to get the RFP. A previous round of pre-qualifications netted solar companies that then were able to bid on a portfolio of DNR solar projects in Southwest Michigan. Another portfolio in the Northern Region is in the works for later this year. Only companies who pre-qualify can bid on future DNR solar projects. Please direct all correspondence to the Solicitation Manager, Laura Gyorkos at gyorkosL@michigan.gov.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s PlanetM Testing Grant gives mobility companies the opportunity to access testing facilities around the state, including Mcity at the University of Michigan. Apply here.