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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:
Michigan EIBC Legislative Reception at Mackinac Policy Conference
Michigan EIBC’s Legislative Reception, in conjunction with the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference, was a great opportunity to connect with energy leaders, policymakers, and partners from across the state. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event, and thank you to our sponsors!
Michigan EIBC to Host Public Convening on Agrivoltaics
Michigan EIBC will host a public convening on agrivoltaics on June 24 at Michigan State University’s W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, bringing together researchers, farmers, developers, policymakers, and clean energy stakeholders to explore how solar energy and agriculture can coexist on productive farmland. The event will feature a tour of MSU’s agrivoltaics research facilities and discussions on the opportunities dual-use solar projects can offer both farmers and the electric grid. Topics will include project financing, crop and land-use considerations, and innovative approaches for integrating solar development into agricultural operations.
The convening will include an opening presentation from Dr. Anthony Kendall of MSU’s Environmental Science and Policy Program, as well as a panel discussion including Dr. Michael Reinke of MSU, Allen Bonthuis of Harvest Solar, and Samantha Craig of the UA Heartland Alliance.
City-Owned Energy Program Expands Solar Access in Ann Arbor
The city of Ann Arbor is moving forward with its Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) program, a city-owned initiative that helps residents and businesses access renewable energy and battery storage systems. The program allows customers to voluntarily subscribe to locally generated solar energy while supporting the installation of rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems across the community. City officials say the SEU is intended to accelerate local clean energy adoption, improve grid resilience, and give residents more options to reduce energy costs and reliance on traditional utility infrastructure.
On April 28th, the City began installing residential solar panels and battery systems through the program. The initiative is part of the city’s broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality while creating a more decentralized and resilient energy system. Supporters say the model could serve as an example for other Michigan communities exploring local energy solutions, particularly as interest grows in distributed generation, storage, and community-scale clean energy investments.
New Members
Click logos to learn more
Resilience deploys solar and battery storage across workforce housing, aggregating that capacity into a dispatchable energy network serving the grid and the data centers driving the AI economy. Working families get lower energy bills, and investors get compounding returns from the largest untapped power source in the country.
Renewing Members
Michigan-based solar installation company offering comprehensive solar energy solutions and professional electrical services for homes and businesses.
SEEL, formed in 2009, is a leading minority-owned energy program services company. Focusing on community, quality and cost-effectiveness, SEEL is one of the largest minority-owned energy management firms in the country. SEEL is committed to providing opportunities to local displaced workers in all areas of operation to meet the needs of the company programming. SEEL has put in place a training program that converts former blue collar workers into green collar advocates, a skill set that prepares them, not only to work at SEEL, but for the future. SEEL brings more than just innovation to energy services. We bring a commitment to bettering our community. Our award-winning design, installation, and customer service teams support homeowners, landlords and business owners – making a more cost–effective, environmentally sound energy program a simple choice.
Michigan Energy News
- Ann Arbor launches limited-time EV rebates to offset high gas prices. (Michigan Public)
- Michigan summer energy outlook raises reliability and affordability concerns. (Michigan Public)
- Consumers Energy expands line clearing efforts to improve grid reliability. (Trading View)
- Wayne Metro expands green workforce development programs in Michigan. (US Department of Energy)
- Michigan Senate committee reviews testimony on state dam regulation. (Michigan Senate Democrats)
National Energy News
- Federal surface transportation bill could reshape EV and infrastructure funding. (Smart Cities Dive)
- Enbridge and Meta advance major solar and storage project. (ESG Dive)
- Congress targets rising data center energy demand in new spending proposal. (E&E)
- IEA updates tracker on global energy responses to Middle East conflict. (IEA)
Events
- June 1-4: Michigan EIBC will be exhibiting at CLEANPOWER in Houston, Texas — Come visit Brianna, Justin, and Abby at booth 1521!
- June 16: Institute for Energy Innovation Energy 101 — Come learn about how advanced energy and mobility technologies stem the tide of rising energy bills while improving energy resiliency and reliability. For Michigan EIBC members and legislators/staff only, please email mieibc@mieibc.org for more information.
- June 24: Michigan EIBC Public Convening: Agrivoltaics — Join Michigan EIBC for a public convening to learn about the opportunities agrivoltaics can provide for both the energy grid and farmers. See Michigan State’s Kellogg Research Extension research firsthand, and listen to a panel discussion focused on financing for agrivoltaic projects, advantages and challenges for crops with solar co-location, and innovative ways solar can be integrated into agriculture. See event details here.
Jobs
If you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send the position and a link to apply to Charlotte Bunch at cbunch@5lakesenergy.com. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.
Opportunities
- Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility released an invitation to bid for up to $2 million in solar PV modules for residential and commercial projects planned for 2027 and 202, with bids due May 27
- Michigan Public Service Commission request for proposals for the administration of about $93 million in funding to assist income-eligible households reduce energy insecurity (Grant proposals due June 12, 2026 at 3 PM).
- 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 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
- EGLE RETAP and DOE’s Onsite TAP can assist with assessing the suitability of a various clean energy projects for Michigan businesses
- MSU’s ITAC program and EGLE RETAP can assist businesses with energy efficiency audits and recommendations
- 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
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources best practices for solar 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 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.