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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 Michigan Energy Innovators Gala
Registration is now open for Michigan EIBC’s 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala! Join us on October 7 at Detroit’s Gem Theatre for this signature event, which brings together clean energy leaders, policymakers, legislators, and industry professionals to celebrate the people and organizations driving innovation and growth in Michigan’s advanced energy economy. The evening will feature networking opportunities, recognition of industry achievements, and conversations shaping the future of energy in Michigan. Register today to reserve your spot!
Michigan EIBC Submits Recommendations on DTE Transportation Electrification Plan
Michigan EIBC partnered with Advanced Energy United to submit comments to the Michigan Public Service Commission on DTE Electric’s proposed 2027–2031 Transportation Electrification Plan (TEP), supporting the Company’s EV adoption forecasts and offering recommendations to strengthen the utility’s approach to charging infrastructure deployment, customer rebate programs, and pilots. The filing recommends aligning TEP filings with rate case timelines to allow for a more robust stakeholder engagement process, and supports maintaining long-term investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure despite near-term market uncertainty.
Michigan EIBC also applauds DTE’s enhanced benefit-cost analysis while calling for the inclusion of broader societal benefits of transportation electrification into its accounting scheme, stronger education and outreach efforts, and more refined rebate and pilot programs to better serve residential customers, multifamily housing, fleets, workplaces, and public charging sites. Michigan EIBC emphasizes that thoughtful planning and continued stakeholder engagement will help ensure Michigan is prepared for continued growth in EV adoption while delivering long-term benefits for customers and the electric grid.
Michigan Energy News
- Michigan townships ask the state Supreme Court to hear a legal challenge over the state’s authority to permit large-scale wind and solar projects. (MLive)
- Guest commentary argues Michigan’s Clean Energy and Jobs Act is lowering energy costs, creating jobs, and attracting billions in clean energy investment across the state. (Bridge Michigan)
- Three key questions are shaping Michigan’s debate over new data centers, including their impact on electricity demand, water resources, and local economic development. (AOL)
- A planned Detroit solar project has been transferred to DTE Energy after the original developer withdrew, allowing the project to move forward under new ownership. (Bridge Detroit)
- University of Michigan researchers and community partners successfully demonstrated community-designed wave energy prototypes in Lake Michigan, advancing efforts to develop locally informed renewable energy technologies. (University of Michigan)
- Consumers Energy cancels plans for a proposed natural gas power plant near Ann Arbor following strong opposition from local residents and elected officials. (MLive)
- Michigan startup, Slate Auto, unveils America’s cheapest new EV, a pick-up starting at $24,950. (Yahoo! Autos)
- Ford Motor Company’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan plant set to deliver the nation’s first domestically produced deliver lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries this summer (Ford Authority)
National Energy News
- California files suit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to halt offshore wind development, arguing the actions threaten clean energy growth and state climate goals. (ESG Dive)
- Invenergy reaches an agreement with the Trump administration that allows several previously delayed wind energy projects to move forward, signaling a potential shift in federal permitting policy. (Heatmap)
- Virginia establishes a legal definition for agrivoltaics, creating new opportunities to combine solar energy development with active agricultural production. (Utility Dive)
- Recent Supreme Court decisions on energy and environmental cases are setting the stage for major legal battles over federal climate regulations and agency authority. (E&E News)
Events
- July 23-24: Michigan Energy Providers Conference – Join energy industry leaders, policymakers, utility representatives, regulators, and stakeholders from across Michigan at the 70th Annual Michigan Energy Providers Conference at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. The conference provides opportunities to learn about key energy policy developments, discuss challenges and opportunities facing Michigan’s electric and natural gas sectors, and connect with professionals from across the energy industry through educational sessions and networking events. See event details here.
- July 29: Multi-Modal eMobility Summit – Explore the future of electric transportation at the Gross Ile Municipal Airport. This unique event will feature electric aircraft, EV charging demonstrations, industry roundtables, exhibitor showcases, and networking opportunities highlighting innovations in air, land, and marine mobility. Register here.
- *NEW* 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.
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
- *NEW* 2026 Clean Energy Workforce Development Program: 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 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.
- 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.