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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:
FERC Rejects MISO’s ERAS Proposal
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected a proposal from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to create a process to “fast-track” the interconnection approval of certain electric generating resources, following criticisms from stakeholders including the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) that the process would discriminate against projects that are not developed by incumbent utilities.
MISO has proposed an Expedited Resource Adequacy Study (ERAS) process in which projects that meet certain criteria, including a demonstration that the project is necessary to meet a resource adequacy need, can qualify for an expedited generation interconnection agreement. But in comments submitted to FERC, the MPSC argued that there are limited ways for non-incumbent developers to participate in ERAS as proposed, and so the process would increase barriers to entry that penalize certain types of projects.
Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United submitted comments to the MPSC that echoed these concerns, while also calling for ways the MPSC could implement the ERAS process to ensure that a diverse range of ownership types are approved. “It will be important to ensure that utility-owned projects are not fast-tracked in a manner that provides undue advantage to those projects. For example, there may be data access or information advantages that a utility possesses which may allow it to dominate a first-come, first-served process,” the comments said. “Michigan EIBC/United urge the Commission to carefully consider these potential biases and design a review process that equally allows third-party owned projects to advance quickly.”
On May 16, FERC rejected MISO’s proposal in a 2-1 decision, finding that “MISO has not demonstrated that its ERAS proposal is a just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory or preferential approach for addressing MISO’s stated resource adequacy and reliability needs.” FERC encouraged MISO, however, to work with stakeholders to revise the proposal and then refile it.
Michigan EIBC, Members Warn of Economic Consequences From Cutting Tax Credits
Last week, Michigan EIBC hosted a virtual press conference with several member companies about the tax reform and budget bill now passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that would roll back many long-standing tax credits and newer provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act including tax credits for clean energy, energy efficiency and electric vehicles. If enacted, as described by many in the industry including Heather O’Neill, CEO and President of Michigan EIBC Trade Organization Member Advanced Energy United, the dismantling of these policies would “weaken the reliability of our power system, raise electricity costs, and kill tens of thousands of jobs.”
MLive covered Michigan EIBC’s press conference last week with a report on how “billions in federal incentives fueling advanced manufacturing, clean energy and consumer purchases of rooftop solar systems or electric vehicles” are “on the chopping block.”
Rolling back the tax credits from the law would amount to “an energy tax hike on Michigan families, and it’s happening just as new energy projects are beginning to deliver real savings and job opportunities in our state,” the story quoted Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman as saying.
Incentives have allowed Michigan EIBC member Michigan CAT to install combined heat and power systems for customers. “These are systems going into hospitals, commercial buildings – critical to our communities, not just some rich person’s green power, or however they want to characterize it,” Michigan CAT Advanced Energy Systems Manager Kevin O’Connell said.
Komal Doshi, vice president of electrification and mobility at Michigan EIBC member Walker-Miller Energy Services, talked about the potential impact of the bill on energy efficiency. “Without the support, many businesses and families will be forced to delay critical upgrades, leading to higher utility bills and continued reliance on outdated and inefficient systems,” she said.
Dr. Edward Shaffer, CEO and founder of Michigan EIBC member Advanced Battery Concepts, reminded the audience that these credits help Michigan-based manufacturers compete with foreign companies. “These manufacturing credits—and I’m speaking to our congressional staff to be very clear—help us level the playing field with countries like China so we can grow manufacturing and good-paying jobs here in Michigan,” he said.
Finally, John Jevahirian, vice president of operations at Michigan EIBC member Michigan Solar Solutions, talked about how tax incentives for rooftop solar have often been the deciding factor for customers to sign up, allowing businesses like his to grow. Michigan’s congressional delegation “can defend these investments, or they can jeopardize Michigan’s momentum just as it’s gaining speed,” he was quoted as saying.
Sophia Schuster Speaks at kWh Summit In Toronto
Last week, Michigan EIBC Policy Principal Sophia Schuster (pictured above) took part in a fireside chat with Mike Frisina (SWTCH) and Jeff Turner (Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors) about “Smart Regulatory and Policy Innovation Powering the EV Transition” at Electric Autonomy’s inaugural kWh Summit in Toronto. In her comments, she highlighted exemplary charging and make-ready rebate programs being implemented across the country, the importance of using comprehensive benefit-cost analyses in evaluating these programs and the critical role of the regulatory environment in times of political uncertainty.
New Member
Current Charging is a turnkey EV charging solutions provider based in Michigan. We handle the entire process—from site evaluation and rebate applications to installation, software setup, and ongoing support. We specialize in helping property owners take advantage of available utility and state funding to minimize or eliminate upfront costs. Our chargers generate recurring revenue, and we manage all permitting, utility coordination, and maintenance to deliver a fully hands-off experience for our partners.
Michigan Energy News
- The catastrophic losses of power in Northern Michigan following a March ice storm “is a warning of what’s to come if we don’t adapt our grids to an increase in both frequency and intensity of severe weather,” Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities Rural Clean Energy Organizer Nicholas Jansen writes in Bridge Michigan.
- The MPSC approves a contract between DTE and the University of Michigan for power from an 80-MW solar project.
- “Michigan’s cleantech dreams stall as market shifts,” Crain’s Detroit Business reports.
National Energy News
- The budget bill that would roll back IRA tax credits threatens about 300,000 jobs, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
- Repealing clean energy tax credits could lead to double-digit percentage increases in the cost of electricity, according to a new study from the Clean Energy Buyers Association.
- Gas stoves increase the risk of cancer, especially for children, according to a recent study.
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.
Apex Clean Energy
Development Manager, MISO. Location: Remote.
At the direction of the Director of Development, the Development Manager will manage the activities required to develop utility-scale wind and/or solar energy projects. In this role, you must possess the experience and skills required to lead multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, preferably related to renewable energy projects. The position’s work scope will encompass and support the entire life cycle of a project from early-stage development to construction, including siting, land management, interconnection and transmission, environmental permitting, engineering, and land use permitting.
Elevate
Senior Director, Policy. Location: Remote.
The Senior Director, Policy leads and develops policy initiatives and advocacy efforts at the federal level, provides leadership to and manages state policy engagements to Elevate’s mission. This position advises the Executive Team and Directors on strategy and risk management related to public policy, manages the policy team at Elevate, and manages the policy functions in coordination with other teams. The Senior Director, Policy also represents Elevate in key working groups, advisory groups, and forums with public and elected officials.
Michigan and National Energy Events
On May 29 from 4 to 6 pm, Michigan EIBC will be holding a legislative reception at the Seabiscuit Cafe on Mackinac Island. Please join us if you are on the island for the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. Registration is not required.
Berkeley Lab will host a public webinar on June 2, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern, to discuss solutions for improving DER interconnection processes and associated timelines. The webinar will cover increasing data access and transparency, strategically using automation, and improving hosting capacity analysis to facilitate interconnection applications and studies. Panelists include Cody Matthews–Michigan Public Service Commission, David Rearden and Calvin Monson–Illinois Commerce Commission, and Adam Podpora–NY Central Hudson. Register here.
On June 11, the Institute for Energy Innovation will hold an Energy 101 “Lunch and Learn” event for Michigan legislators, staff, and Michigan EIBC members. Join us to learn about the importance of investing in the advanced energy sector and communities across the state at times of instability. For more information, email Michigan EIBC (mieibc@mieibc.org).
Michigan EIBC is proud to support the 2025 Forth Roadmap Conference as a Community Partner! Join us Oct. 14-16, 2025 in Detroit at the nation’s leading electric transportation conference. Connect with industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and shape the future of mobility. Roadmap 2025 is where policymakers, utilities, automakers, and industry innovators come together to advance clean transportation solutions. Use MEIBC75 for $75 off full conference tickets. Find out more and register at roadmapforth.org. We hope to see you there!
Opportunities
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) has just announced host institutions for the 2025/2026 Energy Innovators Fellowship. The fellowship sponsors individuals to work full-time for 1-2 years at host institutions such as Public Utility Commissions and State Energy Offices across the country in advancing solutions that will help modernize the power system, improve energy infrastructure for transportation and industry, and make the U.S. power system more reliable, affordable, and resilient. The application deadline is June 6.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced the first in a series of Requests for Proposals, offering $5 million in initial funding to support the deployment of non-public Level 2 alternating current electric vehicle charging stations at existing multifamily housing units. Individual grant awards are capped at $300,000, with applicants required to provide a minimum 30% match of the total requested funds if the project is outside an environmental justice community. Find the RFP here. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has announced several new programs with funding available for energy-related projects, including the Agriculture and Rural Business Energy Incentive Program, the Small Manufacturers Retooling Program, the Grid Resiliency Program, the Water Energy Nexus Program and the Sponsorship Program.
The Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) has an open, rolling solicitation seeking proposals for investment from project developers, sponsors, communities, private equity firms, financial intermediaries, co-lenders or others. Find out more information here.
The State of Michigan’s Michigan Infrastructure Office Technical Assistance Center has launched a website with information about how tax-exempt entities can take advantage of federal clean energy tax credits using elective pay.
Michigan EGLE has released an RFP for grants from its Clean Energy Workforce Development Program. The application deadline is July 30.
Michigan State University’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) is seeking a full-time Associate Professor (FT) to serve as the Director of the Institute of Public Utilities (IPU). Find out more about this position here.
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.
Rheaply, NextCycle Michigan and Michigan EGLE have launched the Michigan Materials Marketplace, which allows businesses to buy and sell excess materials so they can be reused instead of discarded.
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.