Recent Posts
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:
Electric Reliability Back in the News As Work on Performance-Based Rules, Distributed Energy Continues
It has become a summer ritual for thunderstorms to lead to widespread power outages across Michigan, and it happened again in late August. The blackouts have spurred concern about the effectiveness of the rules in place to partially compensate customers who experience long outage times, with the Detroit Free Press reporting that despite hundreds of thousands of DTE and Consumers Energy customers in southeast Michigan losing power for significant amounts of time, few will likely be eligible for bill credits to their accounts. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) this week issued an order for a $2 increase in the bill credit due for customers who experience long or frequent outages.
At the same time, however, the MPSC is in the midst of a process that could subject utilities to stronger penalties if they fail to improve power restoration times and other outcomes related to electric reliability. Specifically, the MPSC has created a workgroup with the goal of crafting rules that would establish financial incentives and penalties for utilities that would be tied to their performance on reliability metrics. That workgroup has resulted in a straw proposal from the MPSC Staff, and that proposal was recently retooled in response to comments from groups like Michigan EIBC.
Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United earlier this year submitted comments to the workgroup that praised the potential for financial penalties to motivate utilities toward better reliability performance, but cautioned the MPSC that incentives should not be on the table until utilities meet certain minimum standards.
Another way to improve the reliability experience for Michigan customers is to expand access to distributed energy that can not only provide backup power on-site for customers, but can ultimately work together across a large geographic area as a “virtual power plant” that provides better reliability and resilience. A major step to shoring up distributed energy in Michigan would be the passage of a set of legislation introduced to the House and Senate that would provide customers with rebates for behind-the-meter solar or storage systems, and require the MPSC to develop rules governing the connection of these kinds of systems to the grid, including how they could provide distribution grid benefits.
Landowners Hope for Easier Path for Renewable Energy Siting
Michigan EIBC has been working to show that agriculture and renewable energy are not only compatible, but deeply mutually beneficial. We’ve testified before the state legislature alongside farmowners for whom hosting renewable energy projects has allowed them to keep farms in the family. We’ve written about how renewable energy can be restorative for agricultural land.
A new article from Barn Raiser tells stories of some landowners who have been fighting against political opposition to wind and solar projects in their communities, and talks about their hopes around the new law supported by Michigan EIBC that streamlines the siting process.
“Thanks to taxes paid by Michigan wind and solar farms, rural police and fire departments are getting new equipment and adding new shifts,” the article states. “Schools are being upgraded, and local roads are finally getting long-needed repairs. Farmers, meanwhile, are driving new pickups, building new barns and repairing and replacing aging farm equipment.”
The article also quotes Albert Jongewaard, senior development manager for Michigan EIBC member Apex Clean Energy, about his company’s work in the state, including the 900-MW wind project in Gratiot County. “These projects aren’t dangerous,” he said. “They don’t have adverse health impacts. We know that through science and lived reality.”
Last Call to Register for Our 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala
TICKET SALES CLOSE TUESDAY 9.10.2024
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!
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
Renewing Members
Hemlock Semiconductor
Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) is a leading provider of ultra-pure polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, solar cells and modules. At HSC, we’re passionate about silicon-based technology and its unique potential to connect and energize the world we share. HSC’s polysilicon enables customers to produce high-tech electronics and solar energy, and our efficient manufacturing process delivers products with an ultra-low-carbon footprint. HSC began operations in 1961.
Samsung C&T Renewables, LLC is developing solar and energy projects in North America with over 14 GW portfolio across the states.
Michigan Energy News
- Michigan EIBC member Apex Clean Energy secures a power purchase agreement with a large Michigan energy company for the output of the 150-MW Coldwater Solar project in Branch County.
- The ‘Gander reports on families across the state cutting ribbons on new rooftop solar arrays with the help of federal incentives.
- Cadillac-based Wolverine Power Cooperative says it will be carbon-free by 2030.
National Energy News
- In a visit to Wisconsin, President Biden announces over $7.3 billion through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Empowering Rural America Program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, that will finance clean energy projects for 16 rural electric cooperatives, including Wolverine Power Cooperative in Michigan.
- The Mid-Atlantic grid operator PJM is looking at a new process to speed up the interconnection review of “shovel-ready” projects.
- The Sierra Club sues Arizona regulators, claiming they set a “dangerous precedent” by allowing UNS Electric to expand a gas-fired power plant.
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 RECESS24 National Black and Brown Clean Energy Summit will be held in Detroit on Sep. 9 to 11. Find more information here.
The 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala will be held in Detroit on Sept. 25. Tickets are available now.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 Sept. 30. More information on this opportunity can be found on the RRCA Webpage.
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.
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.