News
“DTE Energy’s Long-Term Plan Fails to Embrace the Advanced Energy Economy”
DTE Energy, the largest electric utility in Michigan, states that “creating a cleaner, healthier environment where we can all live and thrive is our highest priority.” In social media and public events, DTE broadcasts its commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% by 2040, all while keeping electricity costs affordable for its 2.2 million customers. But, despite these admirable goals, as clean energy use…
Solar Interconnection and PURPA Decisions, Energy Storage Value Streams, UP Task Force
Regulatory Actions On Solar Project Interconnection, Power Purchase Agreements June 7 was a busy day at the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), with important orders on Consumers Energy’s interconnection standards and timelines, Consumers Energy’s integrated resource plan, and issues related to PURPA. Responding to objections from Michigan EIBC and other stakeholders, the MPSC wisely decided not to waive several deadlines for the interconnection application process…
Proposed Delay to Interconnection Timelines Threatens Advanced Energy Industry
Recently there has been an explosion in the number of project developers, homeowners, businesses, apartment buildings and others across Michigan who want to connect solar arrays to the grid. This quick growth has strained electric utilities’ abilities to process applications for interconnection for these solar projects. While some growing pains are understandable as utilities adjust to this new and dramatically higher level of interest in…
Michigan EIBC applauds new policy on use of solar energy on farmland
Michigan EIBC applauds new policy on use of solar energy on farmland LANSING – The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC) is pleased with the decision released today by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to allow solar energy deployment on farmland held under the Farmland Preservation Program. “MDARD’s decision is a win for farmers, clean energy and the state of…
New Storage Opportunities; DG Cap Increased for Upper Peninsula Utility; EV Pilot Program Launched
Energy Storage: New Markets, New Opportunities Energy storage is often referred to as the “holy grail” of clean energy innovation because of its ability to solve the issue of intermittency of wind and solar energy. But, so far, most of the country, including Michigan and the Midwest in general, have lacked a clear path to accurately value energy storage in wholesale and other types of…
IEI Event Sees Bright Future for Solar; EIBC Members at the Michigan Senate
Panelists Explore the Future of Solar at Latest Institute for Energy Innovation Legislator Education Event Despite the recent approval of a new distributed generation tariff in the DTE rate case making it harder for the residential and commercial solar industry to do business (see our earlier newsletter), it has never before been more affordable or more popular for consumers to install solar panels on their homes…