“The expansion of Michigan’s renewable portfolio standard and better alignment of utility business models with strategies to reduce energy waste together represent a significant step forward for Michigan ratepayers, and send a strong signal to the national advanced energy industry that Michigan is open for business” said Liesl Eichler Clark, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC). “That said, the addition of an unnecessary grid charge on solar customers – particularly when distributed solar remains capped at 1% of our energy use – causes real concern, and the failure to interconnect Michigan’s two peninsulas is a missed opportunity. Going forward, we need to ensure that we remain adaptable and open to innovative technologies and business models, ensure meaningful access to Michigan’s energy market for advanced energy companies, and allow Michigan consumers to continue to reap the benefits of declining renewable energy costs and a cleaner, more resilient grid.”