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:

MPSC Approves DTE Data Center Deal

The Michigan Public Service Commission voted unanimously to approve, with conditions, DTE’s 19-year special contract with a 1.4 gigawatt Saline Township data center and DTE’s proposal to procure 1.4 gigawatts of energy storage. The deal is expected to save ratepayers $300 million, but if the projections are not realized, the Commission said DTE is on the hook for any financial hit. Other requirements the Commission added to the deal to protect existing customers include:

• DTE must show how will meet renewable energy standards and energy waste reduction targets with the new load without adding costs to existing customers, 
• The utility will update its emergency procedures to ensure data center load is shed before other customers in the event of an emergency grid shortfall
• DTE is required to create a generally applicable large load tariff for future similar customers within 90 days. 

DTE has 30 days to accept these conditions. 

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DTE Streamlines Interconnection Process

DTE Energy’s newly approved interconnection process will make it easier for Michiganders to connect distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and batteries to the grid. The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a settlement agreement among DTE, MPSC staff, and several clean energy stakeholders including Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United. 

Michigan EIBC’s advocacy for improved policies around the inclusion of energy storage in distributed generation programs was adopted, ensuring that customers can add batteries without facing arbitrary limits or being disqualified from programs. Michigan EIBC, along with other advocates, also pushed for greater transparency of the interconnection queue and future improvements to the cost allocation process.

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Happy Holidays

Michigan EIBC will be closed through Jan. 2. Have a wonderful holiday season, and we’ll see in 2026!

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Events

OPEN TO EVERYONE

• Feb. 13: University of Michigan Green Career Fair — If you are hiring full-time positions or internships in 2026, this is a great way to meet and identify early talent pipelines among some of the best and brightest in Michigan! For questions, contact Sydni Miller (sydnim@umich.edu) in the UM-SEAS Career Services office. Register

FOR MICHIGAN EIBC MEMBERS ONLY

• Jan. 14-15: Detroit Auto Show Media and Industry Days — Michigan EIBC members will be able to take advantage of several members-only benefits, including the opportunity to register for a display on the show floor during the show’s Media & Industry Days (January 14-15) at a discount of more than 50%. Email sophia@mieibc.org to learn more.

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Jobs

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

• Michigan EIBC and the Institute for Energy Innovation Business Development Associate 

Opportunities

• Sponsors and donations needed to 3x impact of the HARVEST Project- a collaboration with United Agrivoltaics Heartland Alliance, UMich SEAS, and MSU Extension- innovative Masters student cohort working on real-world land use and community challenges faced by solar and farmers, while gaining visibility, tailored insights, and a case study based on your pressing solar development needs; commit by Dec 31 for full inclusion! (Closes Dec. 31)
• Traverse City Light & Power Request for Qualifications (RFQu) for Contract Network to help customers achieve energy savings. (Closes Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. EST)
• Traverse City Light & Power Community-Based Outreach and Education Partnership (Closes Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. EST)
• Michigan EGLE funding (Rolling)
  • Water Energy Nexus Program 
  • Renewables Ready Communities Award 
  • Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure Program
• Coalition for Green Capital soliciting investment proposals (Rolling)

Resources

• 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 State of Michigan’s 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.
• 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.