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October 10, 2026

Newsletter: Michigan EIBC Weekly: Gala recap and more!

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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:

    14th Annual Energy Innovators Gala Recap

    Thanks to all the industry leaders, agency and nonprofit executives, policymakers, and all of you who made the 14th Annual Energy Innovators Gala a night to remember! We’re grateful for the advanced energy industry and community. We’ll share more event details and photos next week! Save the date for next year’s Gala on September 29, 2027 at The Gem Theater and the 15th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference on April 15, 2027 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

    Thank You Gala Sponsors!

    Michigan EIBC Across Michigan

    The Gala isn’t the only event Michigan EIBC team members are attending this Fall. Here are just a few others:

    Justin Carpenter, director of policy at Michigan EIBC, will also be speaking at the Fall V2G Business, Policy & Technology Forum on October 27 in Detroit. The event connects top industry players, working groups, utility professionals and others who are focused on the successful development and implementation of vehicle-to-grid technologies. This event is set to examine obstacles and challenges to effectively achieving the potential of V2G, and to identify appropriate solutions and implementation success strategies for grid operators and other stakeholders.

    Last week, Michigan EIBC staff attended the Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS) in Detroit. This national clean energy conference seeks to advance an equitable, regenerative clean energy economy, intentionally inviting Black, Indigenous, Brown, and other historically underrepresented communities into meaningful participation, understanding, and awareness of the clean energy ecosystem.

    We also dropped in on Erb Returns, a professional development and networking event for the Erb Institute, a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan. 

    Look for us next week at The Battery Show, North America’s leading battery and EV technology conference. We’ll be charging up on talks from 250+ speakers spanning advanced battery design, manufacturing, energy storage, safety, recycling, market strategy, and more.

    Rural Energy for America Program Reinstated with Major Caveats

    Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reinstated outstanding grants for the Rural Energy for America Program, setting the table to pay out millions of dollars in outstanding funding promised to farmers who implemented energy-efficient additions to their operations. In April, the funding was frozen by the USDA, leaving many farmers holding the bag when it came time to pay the bills. Dr. Laura Sherman, Michigan EIBC president, wrote on the need to reinstate this funding in a September opinion piece for the Ottawa News Network. 

    The move to allow promised disbursements from USDA was accompanied by a rule that requires tighter restrictions on future projects. These restrictions include the requirement that funding can only be applied for after completion of any project under the program. Solar and wind projects mounted on the ground are also disallowed under the new rule. Parties interested in commenting on the new rules can do so here.

    Read more on REAP updates from mlive here.

    NEW MEMBERS

    Click logos to learn more

    Arch Electric is a Midwest Leader in solar and energy storage construction. Founded on a Wisconsin farm in 2003 by Master Electrician Ed Zinthefer, Arch now has over 200 energy professionals designing, installing, and maintaining energy projects across the Midwest. Arch installs all sizes of solar from residential to large industrial and community solar projects. Our vertically integrated teams provide full service engineering, procurement, and construction. Arch Electric is a women-owned and veteran founded business, a member of the Amicus Ethical Solar Cooperative, and award winning workforce innovation partner.

    RENEWING MEMBERS

    Click logos to learn more

    Elevate is a nonprofit that ensures clean, affordable heat, cooling, power, and water for all, prioritizing frontline communities. We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most. Our team includes experts in energy efficiency, solar, engineering, architecture, planning, construction management, policy, finance, and community engagement. We run energy efficiency, solar, battery storage, workforce development, and clean water programs, focusing on affordable housing and underserved communities. With offices in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, we also work remotely across the US through partnerships with the US Department of Energy. We collaborate with homeowners, renters, building owners, nonprofits, utilities, and municipalities to reduce energy costs and improve quality of life, building strong community connections and delivering high-quality services.

    Innergex Renewable USA, a U.S. subsidiary of Canadian firm Innergex, is an IPP developer of wind, solar and battery energy storage. The company operates projects across 7 states and is developing projects in the PJM and MISO footprints and across the desert southwest. In Canada, Innergex has a long history of partnering with First Nations and tribal communities on run-of-river hydropower and wind energy projects. Innergex is also active in Chile and France. The company is excited to participate in Michigan EIBC and is working to advance solar and storage projects across the state.

    Mackinaw Power is developing new renewable energy projects to provide power for the Great Lakes at competitive prices. Mackinaw Power also uses its experience within the wind industry to work with a variety of companies in Michigan to increase the supply chain for renewable energy technologies in the Midwest. In 2003, Mackinaw Power acquired the assets of Bay Windpower, which developed the Great Lakes’ first privately developed wind power project. Mackinaw Power plans to be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, environmental stewardship, and energy security. We are working to build sustainable communities to provide clean, affordable wind powerby harvesting the area’s wind resources. Mackinaw Power is investing in Michigan’s future generations. We look forward to working with you to create renewable power that protects our Great Lakes, public health, and farm land.

    Utopian Power is a Michigan-based clean energy development company focused on providing localized solutions that fit the needs of our customers and their communities.  With a mission statement of “Accelerating renewable energy adoption by providing responsible energy options to communities, be they individuals, businesses, cities, regions, or the world.”Utopian Power offers management and execution of clean energy projects, including consultation, development, finance, design, and construction; with a market focus on municipal, community or utility scale energy developments.

    Michigan Energy News

    • DTE Energy officially completed construction of the Cold Creek Solar Park, a massive 100-megawatt facility near Coldwater. (Interesting Engineering)
    • Michigan regulators approve DTE-Google deal for a Wayne County data center power. (WILX)
    • Michigan joins suit to block EPA’s repeal of rule limiting power emissions from power plants. (Detroit News)
    • How data centers factor into DTE’s 20-year power plan. (Planet Detroit)
    • Clean energy advocates and stakeholders convened for the fourth annual Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit. (Michigan Chronicle)

    National Energy News

    • The Supreme Court is considering whether state and local governments can try to hold oil companies responsible for costs to confront the floods, fires and other disasters. (New York Times)
    • A technoeconomic assessment of small modular reactor development across the United States suggests stakeholders should shift focus from the power sector to industry. (University of Michigan)
    • Households will pay thousands of dollars more for energy through 2040 because of federal policy changes since 2025, such as canceling new clean energy projects. (ABC News).
    • The U.S. Senate has reached a bipartisan deal on permitting bill to speed approvals of new energy projects. (PBS)
    • Heat pumps and electric water heaters continue to gain ground. (Utility Dive)
    • The 2008 economic crisis changed the US’s relationship with energy. (Ars Technica)

    Events

    • October (see website for specific dates and locations): Renewable Energy Fundamentals— This program will explore what is currently known, where uncertainty remains, and how different perspectives and community priorities shape decision-making. This 4-hour program provides research-based information on the topics communities frequently raise. Through presentations, discussion, and networking, participants will gain a better understanding of Michigan’s evolving energy landscape and leave with resources to support continued learning and community conversations. Register here.
    • October 12-15: The Battery Show of North America — Join informa for three full days of conference programming featuring over 140 hours of expert-led sessions and more than 250 speakers spanning advanced battery design, manufacturing, safety, recycling, market strategy, and more — plus exclusive keynotes from leading OEMs and industry innovators. Register here.
    • October 24: 3rd Annual Climate & Health Event – The Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action (MiCCA) is hosting their 3rd Annual Climate & Health Event with a focus on Food As Medicine in East Lansing. Food as Medicine is a healthcare framework that integrates nutritious, high-quality food into clinical care, recognizing its role in preventing, managing, and treating disease. Our food systems have broad implications on our climate and dictate who is nourished and which communities are underserved. Register here.
    • October 27-29: V2G Business, Policy & Technology Forum – Now in its eighth iteration, the Fall V2G Business, Policy & Technology Forum in Detroit brings together top industry players, working groups, utility professionals and others who are focused on the successful development and implementation of vehicle-to-grid in the United States. Register here.

    Jobs

    If you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send the position and a link to apply to Mark Griffin at mark@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.

    Opportunities

    • The Elective Pay Energy Community Bonus Credit provides a 10% increase to clean energy investment or production tax credits for eligible projects located in designated energy communities. Elective pay lets tax-exempt and governmental entities (like local governments, schools, and nonprofits) receive clean energy tax credits as a cash refund from the IRS. Any tax-exempt organizations installing solar or battery can contact 2030districts.org for free technical assistance to identify elective pay status and processes.
    • The Remediation and Redevelopment Division of EGLE is excited to announce the first round of Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot. The Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot will award $10 million in grants over its lifetime to local units of government to support the development of renewable energy and energy storage on sites of known environmental contamination. Proposal timeline is between November 2 and December 11, 2026. The RFP is on an expedited timeline to allow for ready applicants to take advantage of the remaining federal solar investment tax credit, which requires projects to be in service by the end of 2027. A second round of RFP will open in early/spring 2027. 
    • The Michigan Green Building Collaborative (MiGBC) Leadership Awards. MiGBC celebrates the year’s accomplishments in the green building industry by awarding notable projects, individuals, and organizations. We recognize those who strive for innovation, sustainability, and community vibrancy. MiGBC’s mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, in a way that improves the quality of life in Michigan. Deadline for submission is October 2. Read more.
    • The Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA) hosted by Michigan’s EGLE is a one-time payment that local governments can receive for hosting and/or permitting eligible large-scale renewable energy projects. Local governments can apply as soon as an eligible energy project is permitted, and award payment is made when construction on the project begins. An eligible project is a grid-connected wind, solar, or energy storage project in Michigan which received a local permit (e.g. a land use permit or site plan approval) after September 30th, 2023. Read more.
    • EGLE is accepting applications for its 2026 Clean Energy Workforce Development Program, which will award grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to support workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways that advance Michigan’s clean energy economy. Eligible nonprofits and small businesses can apply through August 30, 2026 here.
    • Sponsors and donations needed to 3x impact of the HARVEST Project — a collaboration with United Agrivoltaics Heartland Alliance, UMich SEAS, and MSU Extension. Masters students work on real-world land use and community challenges faced by solar and farmers. Sponsor a case study while gaining visibility and tailored insights!
    • Sustainable States Network RFQ for Build America, Buy America (BABA)-Compliant Charging Equipment (Rolling)
    • Michigan EGLE funding (Rolling)

    Resources

    • The Michigan PSC has launched an affordability webpage that outlines actions the Commission has taken in recent years to control energy costs and expand energy assistance programs for those most in need. 
    • The Small Business Association of Michigan published a compilation of available clean energy federal tax credits for businesses. See Clean Energy Tax Credits for Michigan Businesses
    • The National Governors Association and the National League of Cities EV Workforce Collaborative Resource Hub
    • Michigan Department of Natural Resources best practices for wind energy and wildlife in Michigan
    • The 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.
      • See new deadlines for elective pay following the passage of OBBBA.
    • 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.
    • 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.