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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:
Legislature Appropriations Bill Includes Battery Manufacturing and Efficiency Provisions
A $1.34 billion supplemental appropriations package passed by the Michigan House and Senate this week will aid Ford’s plan to build an EV battery plant in western Michigan and includes over $200 million for residential energy efficiency measures.
The bill includes $630 million to prepare the site near Marshall for the $3.5 billion proposed manufacturing facility and $170 million for the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund that has incentivized developments like the Ford plant.
The bill also allocates $212 million in federal funding for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to achieve residential energy efficiency improvements by offering rebates for home appliances, home heating and cooling systems and thermal envelope improvements.
Michigan EGLE’s Cory Connolly Testifies Before State House
The goals of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s MI Healthy Climate Plan to reduce emissions from across the state’s economy are realistic but require action from the legislature, Cory Connolly, climate and energy advisor within Michigan EGLE, said in testimony before committees in both chambers of the state legislature this week.
“We are excited to work with you all. We can’t accomplish it without legislative action,” Connolly, who previously served as vice president at Michigan EIBC, said at the hearing held by the Michigan House Energy, Communications and Technology Committee on March 1.
The MI Healthy Climate Plan aims to reduce emissions from 2005 levels by at least 26% to 28% by 2025 and 50% to 52% by 2030. It envisions doing that through a number of steps like increasing renewables to 60% of the state’s electricity generation, building charging infrastructure to support 2 million EVs, repairing and decarbonizing homes and businesses to reduce emissions from buildings by 17% and much more.
Since the MI Healthy Climate Plan was finalized in April 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which has been a “gamechanger” that will help EGLE implement many aspects of the plan, Connolly said. For example, the IRA created the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released details on March 1. That program provides $250 million in grants for states, territories, Tribes, municipalities and air agencies to implement innovative strategies to cut emissions.
“This really is a major opportunity and it not only creates jobs but it also lowers costs for folks,” Connolly said.
First Breakout Panel Announced for the 11th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference
Tickets are available for the 11th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing on April 26!
We have just announced our second breakout panel for the event!
Panel: Lessons Learned on Advanced Planning from Across the Midwest
Moderated by: Commissioner Katherine Peretick, Michigan Public Service Commission
Panelists:
- Kwafo Adarkwa, ITC Holdings Corp.
- Commissioner Sarah Freeman, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
- Commissioner Joseph Sullivan, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
- Jessica Woycehoski, Consumers Energy
Last week we announced the first breakout panel, Creating an Electrified and Accessible Future for Mobility, featuring panelists Cory Bullis from FLO, Komal Doshi from Walker-Miller Energy Services, Kelsey Peterson from DTE Energy and Juan Shannon from Parker Village, moderated by Judd Herzer from the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
The keynote speaker will be Maeve Stropf, Manager of Carbon Strategy and Sustainability Customer Engagement at Steelcase Inc. Maeve leads the team responsible for the company’s carbon strategy development and implementation which includes maintaining carbon neutrality, progressing against ambitious science-based greenhouse gas emissions targets, and encouraging suppliers to set their own science-based targets. Relatedly, Maeve leads government affairs work in subject areas of climate, energy, and renewable energy in the State of Michigan and at the federal level in the US. She is also responsible for energy procurement in restructured power markets and global renewable energy procurement, and corporate reporting of energy and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to these responsibilities, Maeve manages the Sustainability Customer Engagement team for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa market.
This full-day conference—our most popular event of the year—provides attendees an opportunity to network, learn about innovations in advanced energy, and get an overview on the latest policy developments. This event includes: main-stage panels, multiple break-out panels with dozens of expert panelists, presentations from industry experts, and networking.
We also invite you to become a sponsor of Michigan EIBC’s Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference! Sponsors will benefit from networking with advanced energy industry leaders and experts. For information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please click here or contact Brianna Gerard at brianna@mieibc.org.
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
GIGAWATT
MEGAWATT
KILOWATT
THE WATT
New Member
General contracting based out of Sterling Heights which opened its doors in 1966. Strong background in healthcare and automotive based construction projects. Recently becoming involved in projects supporting renewable power generation and storage.
Renewing Members
Advanced Energy United is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services that constitute the best available technologies for meeting energy needs today and tomorrow. These include energy efficiency, demand response, energy storage, solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, electric vehicles, biofuels and smart grid. Advanced Energy United represents more than 100 companies in the $238 billion U.S. advanced energy industry, which employs 3.6 million U.S. workers.
Armada Power
Our mission is to make the power grid more renewable, reliable, and cost effective
Our technology offers a fast, accurate, scalable, and secure thermal energy storage through smart water heating controls.
Our products offer easy installation and economic options for beneficial electrification and grid control.
The Energy Alliance Group of Michigan
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.
Environmental Consulting Technology
Founded in 1988, and comprised of nearly 200 scientists, engineers, and support staff, ECT has been ranked by Engineering News-Record among the top 200 environmental engineering firms in the country for each of the past 23 years. ECT provides multidisciplinary environmental consulting and engineering design solutions to market-leading clients throughout the United States and across four continents. ECT’s natural resource professionals have a long history of project and program management on large-scale renewable energy projects. ECT has worked in more than 20 states assisting clients with the due diligence, siting and development of renewable projects. Our team understands these challenges and is equipped to address and guide our clients through the process.
National Grid Renewables
National Grid Renewables, which includes the renewables development company formerly known as Geronimo Energy, is a leading North American renewable energy company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with satellite offices located throughout multiple states in the regions where it develops, constructs, and operates. As a farmer-friendly and community focused company, National Grid Renewables develops projects for corporations and utilities that seek to repower America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable future. National Grid Renewables is part of the competitive, unregulated Ventures division of National Grid and has a robust portfolio of solar, wind, and energy storage projects located throughout the United States in various stages of development, construction and operation.
Oak Electric
When it comes to emergency power solutions, Oak Electric specializes in the sales, installation and service of a wide selection of automatic standby and backup generators. Oak Electric is a Top Premier Generac Generator Dealer in Southeast Michigan and in the country and has completed more than 20,000 residential and commercial generator installations. In addition, Oak Electric has been at the forefront of bringing renewable energy solutions to Michigan residents and businesses, providing sales, service and installation of solar panels, battery backup systems and wind power to a growing number of customers who want to experience the efficiency and environmental benefits of “green” energy. Oak Electric knows how busy life can get and also knows that helping clients achieve a truly functional and comfortable environment goes beyond servicing their electrical system. Oak Electric’s full range of services enables Oak to simplify and expand the customer experience to provide everything necessary to keep the power on, the temperatures comfortable, the air clean and the water flowing, whether at home or in the office. Electrical, generators, solar, heating, cooling, plumbing…One call covers it all! Locally owned and operated, Oak Electric started out as a family-minded business, a philosophy Oak continues to embrace. Gary Pipia, President and Owner, states “Whether it relates to our clients or our amazing staff, we are proud of the fact that many of our employees have been with us an average of 10 years or more, which reflects the value we place on the people who work for us and the integral part they play in our success.”
Sunnova is a leading national residential solar company. We believe in delivering unparalleled service, providing more choices and access to clean, affordable and reliable energy with customized options to fit any home and budget.
Michigan Energy News
- DTE and Consumers Energy point to weather as the reason behind recent power outages, but there is plenty of evidence that Michigan has worse reliability than states that get the same weather, the Detroit Metro Times reports.
- MLive investigates whether or not the outages will erode the political influence of DTE and Consumers Energy in the state.
- “It’s incredibly unfortunate that there are families that are still in the cold and dealing with bad weather today, that will continue to stay without power as a result of for-profit monopolies’ negligence to address their actual job of strengthening the grid to ensure that people have power,” Michigan House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash says regarding the recent power outages.
- The power outages in Michigan have underscored how a shortage of electricians is making the goal of improved reliability more difficult to achieve.
- Standard time-of-use rates have come into effect for DTE customers, and the utility says they should be cost-neutral for customers overall.
National Energy News
- Global carbon dioxide emissions increased last year by less than 1%, less than many analysts had forecasted, according to the International Energy Agency.
- BlocPower, the startup whose founder Donnel Baird spoke at Michigan EIBC’s 9th Annual Energy Innovators Conference, gets $150 million in new financing to hire more employees for its work electrifying apartment buildings.
- The U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office announces a conditional $375 million loan for Li-Cycle Holdings, a Canadian company that recycles battery-grade lithium, to expand its facility in Rochester, N.Y.
- PJM, the largest regional transmission organization in the U.S., kicks off a new process to fast-track reforms to its capacity market meant to prepare for potential reliability risks in light of increasing power plant retirements and electricity demand.
- New legal and procedural frameworks for cooperation between states on transmission planning are needed for FERC’s efforts to reform transmission to be successful, Advanced Energy United argues.
- Massachusetts’s energy efficiency program, one of the leading in the country, has critics who say it should go beyond increasing efficiency and promote emissions reduction.
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.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
SVP & Chief Mobility Officer. Location: Lansing or Detroit (Hybrid/Remote Option)
The Senior Vice President & Chief Mobility Officer is responsible for the development and execution of strategies, policies, goals and objectives as they relate to the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification as outlined in Executive Order 2020-1. The position provides strategic oversight for The Office’s goals of increasing mobility investment in Michigan, engaging more mobility startups, expanding Michigan’s smart infrastructure, accelerating electric vehicle adoption in Michigan, enabling Michigan’s mobility workforce, and bolstering Michigan’s mobility manufacturing core. This position serves as a key member of the MEDC and Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity (LEO) leadership team to accomplish the strategic goals and objectives of the corporation. The deadline for response is Feb. 20, 2023.
Pivot Energy
Manager, Policy & Market Strategy. Location: Denver, Colo.
The Manager of Policy and Market Strategy (West) is at the forefront of distributed solar policy and will help guide the company’s development and advocacy strategies. Pivot operates nationwide, actively developing and owning commercial solar, community solar, small-utility and battery storage projects in more than a dozen states. We are also one of the leading low-income community solar providers. In an industry defined by regulation and legislation, it is an essential advantage to assess the impact of existing and new policies quickly and accurately, as well as to proactively shape policies where necessary.
Michigan and National Energy Events
Join Michigan EIBC, the Institute for Energy Innovation and the Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes and Environment (EGLE) on March 7 for a public convening at Hemlock Semiconductor Operations, LLC to discuss the landscape for corporate sustainability and renewable purchasing in Michigan. This event will include lunch + networking, a panel discussion with business leaders, and an optional (space limited) driving tour of Hemlock Semiconductor. Register here.
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has published a new analysis, “Shedding light on large-scale solar impacts: an analysis of property values and proximity to photovoltaics across six U.S. states.” The authors will be discussing the results of the study in a webinar on March 22. Register here.
Registration is now open for the State of Michigan MI Healthy Climate Conference, which will be held at Huntington Place in Detroit on April 11-12.
Get tickets now for the Michigan Energy Innovators Conference at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing on April 26.
On July 18-20, PlugVolt will be hosting Battery Seminar 2023 in Plymouth, Mich., featuring an entire day of in-depth technical tutorials on cutting-edge battery research presented by industry subject matter experts and world renowned professors from Top 50 U.S. Universities. The next two days will include complementary industry updates provided by speakers from Automotive and Grid Storage OEMs, major battery manufacturers and global Tier 1 system developers and suppliers. 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.
Save the dates Aug. 6-9 for the Mid-America Regulatory Conference (MARC) Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.
Opportunities
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to expand the weatherization assistance program utilizing bipartisan infrastructure law funding for multi-family dwellings. The five-month award begins on May 1 and ends Sept. 30, 2023, with the total available amount being $1 million dollars. Successful applicants may be awarded funding annually through at least Sept. 30, 2028, based upon funding availability and acceptable performance. For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website.
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is developing a 2023 All-Source Request for Proposals (“2023 RFP”) which seeks to secure supply-side generation consistent with the preferred portfolio outlined in the 2021 Integrated Resource Plan. Consistent with this plan, I&M seeks a combination of Wind, Solar, Combustion Turbines, Storage, and Supplemental Capacity resources. As part of the 2023 RFP, I&M will make available a portion of the retiring Rockport Plant site for bidders to propose Combustion Turbine generation projects as well as Storage projects for participation in the RFP. Comments from stakeholders are due March 10.
The University of Michigan has issued a Proposed Request for Information and Qualification (RFI) Content for Onsite Solar Development. Interested parties may participate in a sourcing event that closes March 22.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is soliciting applications from agricultural producers and small businesses in eligible rural areas for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which offers grants and guaranteed financing for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. There is a deadline of March 31 for applications for unrestricted grant funds. More information is available here.
DTE is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 850 MW of new wind and solar projects, of which about 300 MW must be ready for commercial operation by March 31, 2025, and about 550 MW must be ready by March 31, 2026. Bids are due April 21.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Buildings Upgrade Prize (Buildings UP) is offering more than $22 million in cash prizes and technical assistance to teams across America with winning ideas to accelerate widespread, equitable energy efficiency and building electrification upgrades. Follow Buildings UP on HeroX.com for all prize-related updates. Phase 1 submissions are due by July 18.