Michigan wind industry thriving; DEQ reorganized; IEI hosts Energy 101

The Michigan Public Service Commission recently released its ninth annual report on renewable energy in Michigan, reporting progress on renewable energy deployment under PA 295 of 2008 which established Michigan’s first renewable energy standard.

There are currently 25 utility-scale wind projects in Michigan with one more expected to be operational this year and three more in 2020.

Approximately 3,000 megawatts of renewable nameplate capacity is installed in Michigan and wind was the leading resource by far, representing 69% of that generation. Solar installations accounted for 4 percent of renewable nameplate capacity. Other renewable resources included:

  • 12 percent hydroelectric
  • 7 percent biomass
  • 5 percent landfill gas
  • 3 percent municipal solid waste

Under Public Act 295, electric providers were required to meet a 10 percent renewable energy standard based on retail sales by the end of 2015. Public Act 342 of 2016 increased the requirement to at least 12.5 percent for 2019 and 2020 and 15 percent by the end of 2021. The report found that all providers subject to the state’s renewable energy standard are meeting the current goals.

Gov. Whitmer Signs New Executive Order Creating EGLE

On Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a new executive order to create the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The new department will include a new Office of Climate & Energy in addition to other functions previously housed in other departments. The new executive order was issued to replace Executive Order 2019-2, which was voted down on a party-line vote by the Michigan Legislature.

“Every Michigander deserves safe, clean drinking water, and I’m not going to let partisan politics slow down the important work that needs to get done right now to protect public health,” said Whitmer. “That’s why I’m taking action to sign this new executive order so we can start cleaning up our drinking water, protect the Great Lakes, and take action to address climate change.”  EO 2019-6 requires submission to the legislature and takes effect after 60 days.

The original order was rejected because it abolished three panels for reviewing environmental permits. The new executive order eliminates the Environmental Science Advisory Board and keeps the Environmental Rules Review Committee and the Environmental Permit Review Commission. The Governor has requested an opinion from Michigan’s Attorney General on the legality of these commissions.

The full executive order can be found here: Executive Order 2019-6.pdf


Legislators and Legislative Staff Join IEI for Energy 101

On Wednesday, the Institute for Energy Innovation hosted “Energy 101” in Lansing. The event, which is geared toward legislators and legislative staff, is hosted by IEI at the beginning of each legislative session.  

Attendees learned from experts from across the advanced energy industry. Speakers and topics included the following:

  • Michigan’s Energy Profile presented by Laura Sherman, Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council
  • The Regulatory Compact and Utility Regulation in Michigan presented by Mike Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Public Service  Commission
  •  Understanding Utility Operations presented by Brandon Hofmeister, Consumers Energy
  •  Advanced Energy and the Changing Energy System presented by Tim Lundgren, Varnum LLP
  •  Advanced Energy and Conservative Principles presented by Ed Rivet, Michigan Conservative Energy Forum
  •  Creating a More Reliable, Resilient, and Advanced Grid presented by JR Tolbert, Advanced Energy Economy
  • Energy and Advanced Transportation presented by Glenn Stevens, MICHauto
  • Corporate Procurement of Advanced Energy presented by Rob Threlkeld, General Motors
  • Residential and Commercial Solar as Peak Power presented by Troy Bracke, Michigan Solar Solutions

Following the event, Michigan EIBC hosted a cocktail reception at the offices of Dykema. More than 30 legislators and staff participated throughout the day.

Michigan Energy News

National Energy News

Michigan Energy Events  

Please join Michigan EIBC in Lansing on Monday, February 25 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Lunch Networking Meeting & Tour at MichiganCAT. Our featured speaker for the meeting will be Graeme Miller, Energy Policy Analyst with the Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). 

You’re invited to MEECA’s upcoming Annual Banquet & Awards Celebration on March 6th.

Members Only: Michigan EIBC members are invited to join us in Lansing on Friday, March 15 for an in-person Policy Committee meeting at Dykema in Lansing. This meeting replaces March’s Policy Committee conference call. 

Join Michigan EIBC on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 for our 7th Annual Member Meeting at the MSU Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. 

Members Only: Michigan EIBC members are invited to join us in downtown Lansing on Wednesday, April 24 for Lobby Day. During Lobby Day, Michigan EIBC staff, members, and our lobby team at Dykema meet one-on-one with Michigan State Legislators and their staff to discuss current and future issues for the advanced energy industry.

National Energy Events    

The 12th annual Storage Week is February 25-27 in San Francisco.

The Solar Power Finance & Investment Summit is March 19-21 in San Diego.
 
Attend the Midwest Renewable Energy Summit on April 16-18, 2019, in Chicago, IL.


Announcements & Opportunities

Michigan EIBC member Plug Smart seeks a business development professional for its southern Michigan territory. More information here.

Michigan EIBC member Geronimo is hiring for multiple positions working on renewable energy deployment in the Midwest.