Blog Categories

Newsletter (424)

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:

Report from 5 Lakes Energy and Michigan EIBC Shows Ongoing Economic Benefits of Clean Energy Policies

This week the Michigan news media has been heavily covering a new report by Michigan EIBC member 5 Lakes Energy and Michigan EIBC that quantifies how state and federal clean energy policies are powering a “clean energy economic comeback” in Michigan, and will continue to do so in coming years. The report also details a survey of the advanced energy industry and quotes from a number of Michigan EIBC members.

Gov. Whitmer also highlighted the report in a press release, saying that “thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and the historic clean energy package we passed last year, we’ll be able to continue lowering household utility costs, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and bring more federal tax dollars home to Michigan for clean energy projects.”

“This report shows the strength of Michigan’s clean energy industry and its importance to the state’s economy,” Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman was quoted as saying in an article about the report from the Detroit Metro Times. “It is clear that the clean energy industry has been and expects to continue to hire new workers. Importantly, these are high-paying jobs at or above prevailing wage. Thanks in part to federal and state policies, companies across the clean energy industry are planning to expand operations and investments across Michigan.”

Michigan EIBC’s survey found that 90% of participating companies pay a majority of their employees at or above prevailing wages. As Michigan Advance reported, 90% of companies said that over the next three years they would need to hire or be understaffed, “indicating an existing/future increase in labor demand,” the report said.

The report modeled the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act and the new state energy laws signed by Gov. Whitmer in late 2023 and found Michigan families’ energy bills will go down by an average of $297 per year by 2030 and $713 per year by 2040, relative to the baseline
expected energy cost if the policies were not put in place.

The policies will also lead to $15.6 billion in IRA investments cumulatively by 2030 and $30.7 billion cumulatively by 2040, and the report broke down those investments across 10 “prosperity regions” across the state.

In addition, Michigan Public covered the report’s top-line finding that due to the IRA and other policies, Michigan has attracted 62 major clean energy projects, created more than 21,000 jobs, and received over $26 billion in new investments.

Homeowner Freedom Bill Gets Signing Ceremony

On Sept. 10, Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), Michigan EIBC Director of Policy Justin Carpenter and others gathered at the George W. Romney Building in Lansing for a ceremony to celebrate the governor’s signing of HB 5028, also known as the Homeowner Freedom Bill, which allows homeowners to make energy-saving improvements to their homes and prohibits homeowners’ associations (HOAs) from blocking these improvements.

The bill was passed by the Michigan Senate this June, after passing the House in late 2023. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Puri, has said he saw the need for the bill after hearing from constituents who had been blocked from adding solar panels to their homes based on arbitrary, aesthetic rules. The bill also protects improvements like EV charging equipment, heat pumps and reflective roofing.

Michigan EIBC Senior Director of Policy Grace Michienzi testified in favor of the bill before the Michigan Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Last Call to Register for Our 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala

TICKET SALES CLOSE FRIDAY 9.13.2024 AT 12:00 PM ET

Michigan EIBC is excited to welcome our members, Michigan legislators and state officials, and the general public to our 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala on September 25th at The Gem Theatre in Detroit. To celebrate with us you can register here! Ticket sales close at 12:00 pm ET today!

The keynote speaker will be Amalgamated Bank Director of Climate Banking Nicole Steele, a nationally recognized leader and expert with over 20 years’ experience in clean energy, focusing on equitable deployment and workforce development. She recently joined Amalgamated Bank as the Director of Climate Banking where she will lead the bank’s efforts to execute on the potential of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Prior to joining Amalgamated, she was instrumental in the development of the GGRF programs including the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF), Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA), and Solar for All (SFA) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and worked in partnership with the U.S. Treasury on the Inflation Reduction Act’s solar tax credits including the Low-Income Communities Bonus Tax Credit.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out to Brianna. You can view the available sponsorship levels and benefits here. Please note that the Watt level is sold out. And thank you to our current sponsors, whose generosity helps to make our annual gala a huge success!

TERAWATT SPONSOR

GIGAWATT SPONSOR

MEGAWATT SPONSORS

KILOWATT SPONSORS

WATT SPONSORS

Michigan Energy News

Stellantis plans to invest $235 million at a Macomb County factory to allow it to build EV trucks.
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is “juggling a lot of opinions” over how the Upper Peninsula can comply with the state’s clean energy targets, Grist reports.
Some of the funding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced for rural cooperatives could go toward co-ops purchasing power from the Palisades nuclear plant.
On Oct. 3 the MPSC is holding the first virtual public hearing on the proposed major transmission lines that are part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s Tranche 1.

National Energy News

New research from the University of Michigan found that employee headcounts went up at U.S. plants that shifted from making ICE vehicles to EVs.
Several Republican insiders talk on a panel about what could happen to the Inflation Reduction Act if former President Trump returns to office.
An American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) policy brief finds that a quarter of U.S. low-income households spend more than 15% of their income on energy bills.

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.

Elevate

Senior Director, Policy (Federal). Location: Chicago.
The Senior Director, Policy (Federal) supports Elevate’s mission by ensuring its mission and strategies are well-represented in the federal policy environment and brings Elevate’s expertise to federal policy actions. The Sr. Director, Policy (Federal) leads Elevate’s federal policy initiatives and advocacy efforts and collaborates with the Policy Team to inform integration of those efforts at the state and local levels; ensuring the furtherance of Elevate’s mission to advance clean, affordable energy, and water at the intersection of racial economic justice. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy is a newly created position and is responsible for furthering Elevate’s leadership and effectiveness in the federal space, creating opportunities to partner with, and is responsive to the needs of environmental justice and other historically underserved populations and communities. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy keeps Elevate staff, partners, stakeholders, and the broader policy ecosystem informed on relevant federal initiatives. The position represents Elevate in key White House and federal department initiatives and leads and serves on working groups, advisory groups, and other relevant federal policy forums.

Pivot Energy

Manager, Project Development – Execution. Location: Ohio/Pittsburgh/Chicago/Detroit/Remote.

The Manager, Project Development will be involved in site diligence and project development efforts. The Manager will also manage third-party contractors, prepare and execute land use permits, plan, organize, and lead public outreach, and represent Pivot at land use hearings. The individual will support ongoing site development efforts, assess solar sites for critical issues related to project development, and create and secure land lease amendments with landowners for solar development.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

Engineer 12 – Building Trade Industry Engineer. Location: Lansing.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is currently recruiting for an Engineer 12 position within the Materials Management Division (MMD). This position is in Lansing and is open to all applicants.

Michigan Public Service Commission

Departmental Analyst Trainee. Location: Lansing.

This position serves as a case coordinator and contact person for renewable energy and energy storage siting (RESS) applications filed, complaint cases, or other cases related to renewable energy facility siting and Public Act 233 of 2023. Work as part of a team at times analyzing the evidence submitted by siting applicants to determine if they meet the laws, rules and Commission order guidelines for renewable energy and energy storage facility siting. Provide witness testimony as directed. Support the assigned attorney in the preparation of briefs, reply briefs, and replies on siting issues that may arise in administrative proceedings before the Commission. Attend meetings with the public, local units of government, siting applicants, contractors, and interested parties related to facility siting. Participate in the development of request for proposals to solicit bids from contractors to support the review of siting applications as needed. Coordinate the work of external contractors as needed. Provide information needed for the renewable energy and energy storage facility decommissioning financial assurance process and siting application fee calculation. Ensure applicants have complied with Commission orders related to siting through inquiries, the review of reports and data submitted, complaints, and meetings with internal and external parties.

Public Utilities Engineer. Location: Lansing.

This position serves as an engineer reviewing and analyzing applications for renewable energy and energy storage siting cases, contested complaint cases, or other cases related to renewable energy facility siting and Public Act 233 of 2023. Work independently at times and as part of a team at times analyzing the evidence submitted by siting applicants to determine if they meet the laws, rules, specifications, and Commission order guidelines for renewable energy and energy storage facility siting. Provide Staff recommendations to management and contributing witness testimony on technical matters in siting cases as directed. Technical matters in siting cases include site plans, decommissioning plans, decommissioning agreements, sound modeling studies, glare studies, construction plans, environmental, health, and safety impacts, alternatives analyses, impacts on land use, and other matters as directed. Support the assigned attorney in the preparation of briefs, reply briefs, and replies on siting issues that may arise in judicial proceedings before the Commission. Represent the Commission in meetings with the public, local units of government, siting applicants, contractors, and interested parties related to facility siting. Participate with the development of request for proposals to solicit bids from contractors to support with the review of siting applications as needed. Coordinate the work of external contractors as needed. Ensure applicants have complied with Commission orders related to siting through inquiries, site visits, inspections, the review of reports and data submitted, complaints, and meetings with internal and external parties. Advise management on steps to ensure facilities remain in compliance with Commission orders.

Walker-Miller Energy Services

Program Manager. Location: Detroit
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Manager to lead a large-scale, high-profile residential energy efficiency and electrification program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 4 of experience in program management, a deep understanding of energy efficiency for both residential and multi-family sectors, and experience within electrification. This role requires strong leadership, excellent client interfacing skills, and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.

Outreach Manager. Location: Detroit.
We are seeking an experienced Outreach Manager to lead the outreach and engagement for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of outreach experience and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in outreach and engagement, and managing campaigns, with diverse stakeholders.

Field Operations Manager. Location: Detroit.
We are seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead the field team and activities for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of experience in managing a field team and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in home and building assessments, quality assurance and quality control processes, and supervising a field team.

Michigan and National Energy Events

The 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala will be held in Detroit on Sept. 25. Tickets are available now.

The Vehicle-Grid Integration Council is hosting EVolve on Oct. 9 in Berkeley, Calif. Join industry changemakers for a 1-day, in-person event to network and learn from thought leaders accelerating and shaping the future of VGI. Register here.

The C3 Summit, sponsored by Michigan EIBC member Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan EGLE, Breakthrough Energy Fellows and American Made Challenge, will be held in Novi on Oct. 1. Find out more here.

The State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME) is hosting the MI Future Mobility Conference in Detroit on Oct. 24. Register to attend here.

Opportunities

The Michigan Public Service Commission has created a website tracking its progress implementing Public Acts 229, 231, 233, 234, and 235, passed on Nov. 8, 2023 and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 28.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has an open MI Healthy Climate Corps position for 2024 to 2025. “This position is with the Strategic Sector Development and Supply Chain Resiliency team, which is focused on driving clean energy developments in the State. We are leveraging the momentum of the Governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan and pursuing this development through a variety of novel initiatives, such as pitch competitions, supplier diversiﬁcation, and ecosystem construction.” Applications are due Sept. 8.

The federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has extended the deadline for applications to the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program Round 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity to Sept. 11.

Let’s Grow Michigan’s PitchMI startup competition, which will award investment to startups working on the topic of roads and mobility, has a Sept. 16 deadline for applications.

The Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for “up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States.” The related Notice of Funding Opportunity is expected to be released in the fall of 2024. Find out more here.

The U.S. Department of Energy has launched the Innovative Queue Management Solutions (iQMS) for Clean Energy Interconnection and Energization program that “will award $11.2 million across 25 distribution utilities for innovative approaches that can accelerate timelines for clean energy and EV charging projects.” Applications are due Oct. 16.

DTE Electric has re-opened its 2024 Renewable Energy All Source RFP. Proposals are due by Oct. 29. Links: 2024 Solar BTA – RFP. 2024 Solar PPA – RFP. 2024 Wind BTA – RFP. 2024 Wind PPA – RFP.

The Department of Energy has released the Fiscal Year 2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Batteries Funding Opportunity Announcement, which is offering $43 million “in funding for projects that will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in several areas critical to the future of advanced batteries.” The deadline for full applications is Oct. 30.

Michigan EGLE is launching the Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA), which makes Michigan municipalities that have, on or after October 1, 2023, begun physically hosting and/or performing local permitting for any portion of an eligible renewable energy project eligible for awards of $5,000 per MW. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted and there is no specific deadline. More information on this opportunity can be found on the RRCA Webpage.

Michigan EGLE is offering at least $320,000 in funding MI Solar Communities-MI Solar Access Program. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025, or when funding is expended, whichever comes first. Find the request for proposals for MI Solar Access here.

Michigan EGLE has released an RFP for grants from its Clean Energy Workforce Development Program. The application deadline is July 30, 2025.

Recent Posts