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 Initial Response to Utilities’ Integrated Resource Plans

This month, both DTE Electric and Consumers Energy filed Integrated Resource Plans with the Michigan Public Service Commission. In accordance with the state law, utilities are required to file 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year projections of how they will meet the energy needs of their customers. This week, Michigan EIBC, in collaboration with Clean Grid Alliance and Advanced Energy United, released a statement on how these plans could go further to include more third-party and customer-owned resources, long-duration energy storage, and smaller renewable energy and energy storage resources.

“Although we are pleased to see the proposed investments in renewable energy and energy storage, we are disappointed that neither Consumers Energy nor DTE Electric appears to be taking full advantage of low-cost, cutting edge resources,” said Dr. Laura Sherman, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “Customer-owned devices, third-party owned projects, small solar and storage projects, and long-duration energy storage resources can provide affordable and reliable power. We look forward to working with stakeholders, the Commission, and the utilities to improve these long-term plans.”

Read the whole release here.

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Michigan Public Service Commission Approves Google Data Center

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today approved a 20-year agreement between DTE Energy and Google to build a large scale data center in Van Buren Township. Michigan EIBC joined with Vote Solar, the Environmental Law & Policy Center, and the Union of Concerned Scientists to release a statement in response:

The MPSC calls for enhanced reporting and oversight requirements to allow regulators to frequently monitor the costs and benefits over the life of the special contracts. However, the MPSC missed an opportunity to require broader investments in new solar and other clean resources to help meet the energy demand from the data center.

“It is disappointing that the Commission failed to recognize all of the opportunities to ensure that this data center is served by clean, low-cost renewable energy and energy storage,” said Dr. Laura Sherman, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “Customer-owned rooftop solar plus storage and other distributed energy resources (DERs), as well as larger third-party owned renewable energy and energy storage projects, can serve these new loads more cost-effectively and quickly than other resources. In future cases, Michigan EIBC will continue to advocate for the benefits that clean energy resources can provide to customers, the grid, and Michigan’s economy.”

Read the entire statement here.

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Michigan State Representatives Introduce Bills Enabling Virtual Power Plants

This week, representatives in the Michigan legislature introduced House Bills 6408 and 6410 to establish a program for parties to harness already existing distributed energy resources into networks called virtual power plants. Virtual power plants are links between small user-generated power sources or demand response resources that can bolster energy supply and reduce demand during peak times.

These bills mirror legislation introduced in the Michigan Senate. Michigan EIBC Director of Policy Justin Carpenter wrote in the Lansing State Journal that this legislation would allow virtual power plant operators to “compensate home and business owners who allow their solar panels, batteries, smart thermostats or other resources to be aggregated for the services they provide for the grid,” and “reduce peak demand, which can prevent price spikes and lower the risk of outages from overloaded transmission lines.”

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Registration is closed

Walk-in registration will be available at the event on October 7 at the Gem Theater in Detroit, MI.

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Keynote Speaker Darrin Camilleri

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Michigan Energy News

• State Senator Sam Singh has introduced the Michigan Competitive Fuels Act, legislation designed to expand access to domestic and affordable fuels across Michigan. (Clean Fuels Michigan)
• DTE seeks two new natural gas plants and more nuclear in its Integrated Resource Plan. (Detroit News)
• Michigan utilities want to build $10B in gas power plants. Are data centers to blame? (mlive)
• A federal court has ruled against Michigan in an antitrust case against oil companies alleging collusion. (Inside Climate News)
• Michigan is faced with two directions for its energy policy. (Green Line Insights)
• Carbon capture proposals draw mixed responses from environmental groups in Michigan House committee. (Michigan Advance)
• EV batteries are getting a new life in Michigan. (Michigan EGLE)
• Michigan Strategic Fund looks to bolster the battery and auto parts supply industry. (Michigan Public)

National Energy News

• A second federal judge has overturned the EPA’s cancellation of its Solar for All program. (Utility Dive)
• Trump sharply scales back fuel economy rules for new cars. (New York Times)
• Clean energy projects could present rural America with economic opportunity. (Canary Media)
• X-energy has advanced a small nuclear reactor project with the help of a federal award. (Canary Media)
• The U.S. Department of Energy will spend $2 billion to squeeze more electricity from the aging power grid. (AP News)
• The U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright dismissed reports that U.S. exports of diesel could be banned. (NY Times)

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Events

• September and 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 7: 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala — Join Michigan EIBC at the Gem Theatre in Detroit for its signature annual celebration of Michigan’s advanced energy industry. The gala brings together more than 300 business leaders, policymakers, and energy professionals to recognize outstanding achievements in clean energy through awards honoring Business of the Year, Public Official of the Year, Project of the Year, and other industry leaders. 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.

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.

• Evergreen Action – Midwest Regional Advocate
• Great Plains Institute (GPI) – Director Of Utility and Regulatory Innovation
• Advanced Energy United – Policy Principal, Decision-Maker Education & Engagement
• Advanced Energy United – Managing Director, Central

Opportunities

• *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)
  • Agricultural Business Energy Incentive Program
  • Community Energy Management Program
  • Small Manufacturers Retooling
  • Water Energy Nexus Program 
  • Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure Program
  • MI Solar Access Program
  • Fuel Transformation Program

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
  • 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
• 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.