Hydrostor’s Katherine Peretick Appointed to MPSC, Happy Holidays from Michigan EIBC

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:

Congress Passes Stimulus Legislation That Includes Federal Tax Credit Extensions for Renewable Energy

 Congress has finally passed House and Senate versions of a stimulus package. The sweeping legislation contains many provisions that have significance for the energy industry, including extensions of tax credits that have played a big role in the growth of renewable energy projects.

The solar investment tax credit (ITC) is extended for two years. Projects that begin construction through the end of 2022, rather than 2020, will receive the 26% tax credit. The ITC will fall to 22% for projects that start construction by 2023 and 10% for large-scale projects and zero for small-scale projects by 2024.

The wind production tax credit will stay at 60%, rather than fall to 40% as previously set, for projects that begin construction by the end of 2021, although it will still fall to zero for projects starting in 2022.

The bills also contain provisions to support renewable energy on public lands, $2.36 billion for research into grid modernization such as the integration of batteries, EVs and renewable energy and much more. 


Katherine Peretick of Hydrostor Appointed to MPSC as Sally Talberg Moves to ERCOT

This new year will also mark a transition for the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The MPSC’s meeting on Thursday, December 17, was Sally Talberg’s last, as she transitions to serve on the board of directors of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Commissioner Talberg’s expertise, leadership, and dedication to a fair and balanced approach will always be greatly appreciated. 

Gov. Whitmer announced on Monday that she is appointing Katherine Peretick, director of engineering at Michigan EIBC member company Hydrostor, for the open seat on the commission.

Peretick, who holds a master’s of science in energy systems engineering from the University of Michigan, has designed a variety of energy storage projects through a “technology-agnostic” approach, from lithium-ion battery storage projects to the world’s first commercial fuel-free compressed air energy storage facility. She has frequently spoken about energy storage policy at Michigan EIBC events, such as at our first energy storage convening held earlier this year. Peretick also was named to this year’s edition of Energy News Network’s 40 Under 40 energy innovators and leaders and currently serves as the Vice President for Advancing Women in Energy.

We thank Sally for her service both as commissioner and previously as chairman of the MPSC, and welcome Katherine to this important role.  


Happy Holidays from Michigan EIBC

This newsletter marks Michigan EIBC’s last issue of 2020. Next week we will take a break for New Year’s, and return in January with a list of 2021 policy priorities.

We close 2020 with an eventful December, including a Michigan PSC ruling on distributed generation policy for Consumers Energy, Michigan EIBC’s thoughts on Jennifer Granholm for head of the U.S. Department of Energy and commentary from Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman on how to reshape Michigan’s grid in Energy News Network.

Read last week’s Michigan EIBC newsletter for more about these end-of-year events. 


Michigan and National Energy Events

 Register now for the next entry in the UP Clean Energy Series, to be held Jan. 14, titled “Solar Energy Case Studies – Lessons from On the Ground Projects.”

The Michigan Energy Providers Conference has the first of its “MEPC Presents” events scheduled for Jan. 22, 2021. The topic is “How to Make Michigan Carbon Neutral by 2050.” Click here for the agenda. There is no registration fee.

The National Regulatory Research Institute has a three-part webinar series on “The Impact of COVID-19 on Utility Rate Making.”

Due to COVID-19, PlugVolt is offering complimentary access to a webinar series that provides a guide to how to select primary and secondary cells for battery products.

Norton Rose Fulbright regularly organizes webinars featuring experts and executives of major companies, such as this one on the challenges that COVID-19 and low commodity prices pose to the energy industry.

The Clean Energy Group has a huge archive of webinars and presentations related to net metering, energy efficiency, EVs, energy storage and much more.

The Energy Storage Association has a number of upcoming and recorded webinars covering many different facets of energy storage.   

Opportunities

 Centrepolis is offering the Michigan Cleantech Hardware Accelerator program as funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The program supports Michigan-based entrepreneurs and small businesses who are developing cleantech hardware products or processes that provide an energy efficiency or energy waste reduction benefit. Funding can be applied for to support product development and demonstration activities. Contact Dan Radomski dradomski@ltu.edu or visit https://www.centrepolisaccelerator.com/Programs/CleanTech.
Indiana Michigan Power Company has issued two Request For Proposals to obtain up to 450 MW of solar or wind energy resources. Proposals are due Jan. 15, 2021.

The Green Task Force is requesting that non-profit and faith-based organizations fill out a brief survey to assess readiness for solar projects.

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.

The Detroit 2030 District is a free program that challenges Detroit building owners and managers to reduce wasted energy. Those that achieve the greatest reductions from the prior-year baseline will be recognized at the first annual Detroit Energy Challenge Award Ceremony in 2021. Visit 2030districts.org/Detroit to find out more information including how a building can apply.