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November 13, 2026

Newsletter: Proposal 2 Updates and Grant Opportunities

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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 Proposal 2 Updates

    Last week, Michigan voters approved Proposal 2, a ballot measure restricting donations to political campaigns by utilities or companies with more than $250,000 in state government contracts, with more than 81% voting in favor. The measure also prohibits immediate family members and other people with close connections to these companies from contributing to politicians and their campaigns.

    DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging the new law violates free speech, free association and due process rights guaranteed in the constitution. Michigan Bureau of Elections Director Jonathan Brater, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson are named as defendants in the suit to be heard in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

    Read more from Bridge Michigan.

    New State Grants for Energy Projects

    Last week, the Michigan Public Service Commission announced a request for proposals (RFP) for projects eligible for funding through its $5 million Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grant program. Projects that could be funded through the grants include electrification technologies, renewable energy systems, waste heat to energy systems, combined heat and power using wastewater treatment biogas, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable natural gas facilities, and others. Past grant awards were for projects related to community solar planning, home energy assessments, and electric vehicle and battery storage. Read more about the 2027 RE-EIED Program.

    Separately, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy opened an RFP for brownfield renewable energy grants through the MI Brightfields Pilot program. The program’s goal is to establish renewable energy and energy storage on environmentally contaminated properties. Eligible technologies may include, but are not limited to, ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar, carport solar, solar plus storage, standalone battery energy storage, wind, and geothermal. Read more about the Michigan Brightfields Pilot program.

    NEW MEMBERS

    Click logos to learn more

    CLEAResult is the largest energy efficiency, energy transition and energy sustainability program consultant in North America. As leaders in providing customized solutions to today’s energy supply and demand challenges, we are building a more sustainable tomorrow. We change the way people use energy. Our diverse team of industry thought leaders have been executing cost-effective, energy-saving solutions for over 20 years, with more than 15 years actively implementing programs in Michigan for both the residential and business sectors.

    Summit Ridge Energy is the nation’s leading commercial solar power company. By merging financial innovation and unmatched execution, we deliver reliable, locally generated energy that reduces reliance on foreign energy and contributes to a more resilient and secure electric grid. Summit Ridge is driving a future where solar power generation strengthens local economies and ensures energy independence for businesses and communities across America.

    UMCI bridges the spirit and ingenuity of Detroit with the best of the University of Michigan to help us be a global innovation powerhouse: To be a place where talent grows, startups scale, industry transforms, and communities thrive.

    TurningPoint Energy (TPE) is a privately held, independent clean energy company founded in 2014 that develops community solar and energy storage projects across key U.S. markets. With a team that has collectively developed, financed, and/or built more than 2 GW of solar and 3.5 GWh of energy storage projects representing over $4 billion in value, TPE has become a recognized leader in expanding access to affordable renewable energy while strengthening grid reliability and supporting local economic development. The company currently has more than 500 MW of operating community solar projects and over 1,000 MW of additional solar and energy storage projects under construction or development.

    RENEWING MEMBERS

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    Highland Electric Fleets is a comprehensive turnkey solutions provider that delivers electric school buses (EVSB) to school districts and third-party managed fleet providers (3PMs). We offer a model involving financing, infrastructure, vehicle deployment, and maintenance in an easily digestible, economic format that enables EVSB acquisition at traditional diesel cost of ownership. Our mission is to eliminate the barriers to better student health and cleaner air. We aim to mitigate risk for our customers, increase EVSB market penetration, and deliver positive impacts across a broad spectrum of stakeholders: students, communities, school districts, fleet operators, manufacturers, and utilities.

    Founded in 2002 as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NextEnergy works with innovators to accelerate smarter, cleaner, more accessible solutions for communities and cities. Since its inception, NextEnergy has worked with more than 400 companies, universities, federal agencies, and philanthropic organizations to drive more than $1.5 billion in advanced energy and mobility technology investments. Based in the center of Detroit’s growing innovation district with access to a microgrid, smart home, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and an alternative fuels platform, we demonstrate and pilot technologies in real-world environments to gather data and diverse user-experiences. This process helps us to quickly scale and deploy solutions by accelerating commercialization with a specific focus on smart mobility and smart grid. Our depth of experience, technical knowledge and established network of partners have enabled us to develop effective programs and pilots and facilitate new relationships to help our clients achieve their commercialization goals. Contact us today to learn how you can start transforming your ideas and technology into smarter, cleaner more accessible solutions to create a better quality of life for all. 

    Worth Energy (WE) work with local businesses, landowners, homeowners, and communities to capture the benefits of local energy projects. WE help our clients install solar and battery storage, weatherize buildings, and upgrade equipment to save money. WE use clean energy projects to bring resources to those that need it most.

    Michigan Energy News

    • What the election results mean for data centers, DTE, and clean energy. (Planet Detroit)
    • The MPSC has set a December deadline for a decision on Consumers Energy dam sales. (Michigan Advance)
    • The emergency order for Michigan’s coal plant in Ottawa County is set to expire again. (Michigan Public)
    • DTE proposes building two gas plants to meet growing demand, claiming carbon capture and sequestration will help it reach state climate goals. (Michigan Advance)
    • DTE plans to sell non-utility business to fund grid upgrades and data center growth. (Planet Detroit)

    National Energy News

    • Outdated power grids are a major hurdle in a transition to renewable energy. (PBS)
    • The U.S. Senate has taken its first step on a far reaching plan to speed up energy permitting. (NY Times)
    • Renewable energy groups are boosted by ‘clarity’ of U.S. election results. (Financial Times)
    • Statehouse wins across the country give legislators new power to push clean energy objectives. (Ars Technica)
    • The Iran war has caused a shock to global oil prices and a surge in demand for clean energy. (NY Times)

    Events

    • November 13: Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) Year End Year Begin Celebration – The GLREA team reviews the work and the challenges it addressed in 2026 and prepares GLREA’s Program Work and Goals for 2027.  This Year End – Year Begin Celebration provides an opportunity to reflect upon the work being done in the world of renewable energy. Register here.
    • November 19, 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Decarbonizing Michigan’s Industrial Sector – This session will preview the roadmap for decarbonizing Michigan’s industrial sector, prepared for EGLE by 5 Lakes Energy. The roadmap focuses on implementation, including the resources, institutions, and policies needed to move industrial decarbonization projects from concept to deployment at scale. Presenters will share the roadmap’s key recommendations and connect this work to the state’s goals under the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which includes strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Michigan industry, reducing air pollution in communities across the state, and meeting Michigan’s targets of a 52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Register here.
    • December 2: Institute for Energy Innovation Energy 101: Breakfast + Brainstorm – Several times a year, the Institute for Energy Innovation hosts its Energy 101 educational events to connect Michigan EIBC members with legislators and legislative staffers. This December 2, participants will learn about the importance and value of community renewable energy resources. These events give policy makers and Michigan EIBC members an opportunity to network and dig deeper into the energy policy issues shaping Michigan’s advanced energy economy. If your company or organization is not already a member, contact us for more information on membership (mieibc@mieibc.org).

    Save the dates for Michigan EIBC’s Annual Conference on April 15, 2027 and Annual Gala on September 29, 2027

    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 MPSC has posted a request for proposals (RFP) for the $4.875 million in Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development Grant (Renewable Energy EIED), as outlined in Public Act 21 of 2026. A webpage has been created specifically for the Renewable Energy EIED Grant Program with additional information on the RFP process and timeline, as well as a link to the application forms. Potential applicants have two opportunities to seek clarification on the RFP. Inquiries must be submitted via the MPSC grants administration email. Round one inquiries are due on November 23, 2026. Responses will be posted on December 3, 2026. Round two inquiries are due on December 14, with responses coming a week later.
    • The Remediation and Redevelopment Division of EGLE is excited to announce the first round of Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Brightfields 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. EGLE will hold an informational webinar on Monday, November 9 at 11am to introduce the MI Brightfields Pilot, walk through the application process, and answer questions. You can register for the webinar here.
    • 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 can click here for more information about free technical assistance to identify elective pay status and processes.
    • 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.
    • 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.