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Read Reps. Aiyash and Puri in the Detroit News on Effect of New Clean Energy Laws
Thanks to the clean energy laws recently signed into law by Gov. Whitmer and the funding opportunities from the Inflation Reduction Act that the new policies will help unlock, Michigan is “more ready than ever to maintain its legacy at the forefront of manufacturing and industry,” Reps. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) and Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton Township) wrote in a recent piece published in the Detroit News.
The piece mentions Michigan EIBC members Homeland Solar and Michigan Solar Solutions and describes how both companies “will be able to expand their work since this legislation raises the amount of rooftop solar allowed on the energy grid and expedites the process to build new clean energy projects.” In addition, Michigan EIBC member Walker-Miller Energy Services will be able to retrofit more homes thanks to stronger energy efficiency standards,” helping to “grow a bigger, more diverse clean energy workforce” and “lower household energy costs,” Aiyash and Puri wrote.
Michigan EIBC’s Grace Michienzi Appointed to Governor’s Council on Climate Solutions
Gov. Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Michigan EIBC Senior Director of Policy Grace Michienzi to the Council on Climate Solutions for a term from Dec. 21, 2023 to Feb. 3, 2024. The Council has the key role of advising the governor and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on how to achieve the emissions reduction goals set out in the MI Healthy Climate Plan. This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Congratulations, Grace!
MPSC Releases RFP for Grant Program
Just before the holidays, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) released a request for proposals for a $21.3 million renewable energy and electrification infrastructure enhancement and development grant program.
Businesses, nonprofit organizations, local units of governments and tribal governments are all eligible to submit applications for this RFP by Feb. 21. These applications can be for grants for renewable energy, electrification and electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects or renewable natural gas infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create local economic benefits.
Potential applicants may submit inquiries for clarification about this RFP in two rounds, with the deadline for the first round on Jan. 11 and the deadline for the second on Jan. 26.
The grants are anticipated to start by Nov. 15, 2024, according to the MPSC.
Michigan Energy News
- A group called Citizens for Local Choice is planning a ballot initiative to overturn the new energy project siting law.
- “If ultimately this initiative prevents the state from having a say in the siting of resources needed to meet our state energy needs, I do think the result is increased costs and reduced reliability,” MPSC Chair Dan Scripps says of the planned ballot initiative.
- Consumers Energy announces the start of operations of the 201-MW Heartland Farms Wind project, which was developed by Michigan EIBC member Invenergy, in Gratiot County.
- Michigan EIBC members Energy Alliance Group and Michigan Solar Solutions will install three Mechatron Solar dual-axis solar trackers, at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 58’s Detroit corporate headquarters.
- MLive publishes a detailed analysis and history of the role of the MPSC.
National Energy News
- First Solar’s sale of $700 million in advanced manufacturing production tax credits is likely to be the first of many such deals, according to analysts.
- The U.S. Department of Energy finalizes new energy efficiency rules on residential refrigerators and freezers that were praised by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
- Some regions, such as the Midwest and Southwest, are expected to benefit much greater than others from clean hydrogen production tax credits.
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.
Advanced Energy United
Policy Director – Decision Maker Education & Engagement – Central. Location: Remote.
Advanced Energy United is currently seeking an experienced, strategic and innovative Director to focus on decision maker education and engagement in central states. The Director will work with other United team members to develop and implement educational strategies designed to achieve policy successes at the state level that will expand markets for the advanced energy industry and accelerate the U.S. transition to 100% clean energy.
Policy Director – Decision Maker Education & Engagement – West. Location: Remote.
Advanced Energy United is currently seeking an experienced, strategic and innovative Director to focus on decision maker education and engagement in western states. The Director will work with other United team members to develop and implement educational strategies designed to achieve policy successes at the state level that will expand markets for the advanced energy industry and accelerate the U.S. transition to 100% clean energy.
Elevate
Director, Community Programs (MI).
The Director, Community Programs leads and manages Elevate’s Community Programs team in Michigan. The Director is responsible for implementing programs in partnership with community organizations, municipalities, and state agencies related to affordable housing and resilient communities, with an emphasis on building decarbonization – energy and water efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy. The Director, Community Programs collaborates with departments across the organization as well as with key partner organizations. The Director leads strategic planning, resourcing and process improvement on this fast-growing team.
Opportunities
The Detroit Area Advocacy Organizations are seeking a qualified and experienced partner to oversee the management, disbursement, and evaluation of $8 million in settlement funds related to DTE Energy’s 2022 Integrated Resource Plan. A Request for Proposals from potential partners is available, and the deadline for submissions is Jan. 19.
The City of Detroit is soliciting proposals from qualified solar providers to design, engineer, build, operate, maintain, and decommission installations of ground-mount solar PV projects. Proposals are due Feb. 15.
The MPSC has released a request for proposals for a $21.3 million renewable energy and electrification infrastructure enhancement and development grant program. Applications are due Feb. 21.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office has announced a $38 million funding opportunity focused on cross-sector technologies for industrial decarbonization. Applications are due March 20. Learn more here.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has several open grant applications related to energy efficiency for businesses, local governments, tribal governments and farmers, as well as support for public, private, or nonprofit entities for deploying publicly available fast-charging electric vehicle stations along the Lake Michigan Circuit. These applications have various deadlines from January to March of 2024. Find more information here.