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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 EGLE, MPSC Announce New Funding Opportunities
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has announced several new programs with funding available for energy-related projects across a wide variety of areas.
In addition, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) just released a request for proposals seeking applicants for $4.875 million in Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grants. The deadline is March 20, and you can find out more at the MPSC’s webpage for the program here.
Meanwhile, the new EGLE programs include:
Agriculture and Rural Business Energy Incentive Program – Grants for energy projects at agricultural entities (or related such as food processing) or rural small businesses
Small Manufacturers Retooling Program – Grants for small manufacturing facilities to implement energy projects
Grid Resiliency Program – Funding to utility companies to improve reliability of the grid and reduce downtime in their service territories
Water Energy Nexus Program – Grants for water or wastewater facilities to implement energy projects
Sponsorship Program – Funding to support energy focused events or conduct energy related research activities
Save the Dates for Michigan EIBC’s 2025 Events
We’re excited to announce that Michigan EIBC has a number of events planned for 2025 including public convenings, legislator education events, networking events, and, of course, our Annual Energy Innovators Conference and Annual Energy Innovators Gala.
Michigan EIBC’s Annual Energy Innovators Conference will be held this year on April 2nd at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing with a welcome reception in the evening on April 1. Plan for a full day of networking, panel discussions, and engaging speakers!
Michigan EIBC’s Annual Gala will be held this year on September 24th at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. The evening will feature a keynote speaker, award presentations, and plenty of networking opportunities!
New Member
ConnectDER is a manufacturer of meter socket adapters (MSAs). ConnectDER offers MSAs that streamline interconnection for residential solar arrays and connect and manage large electrical loads like EV chargers. With UL Listed devices that are installed into existing electrical meters in minutes, ConnectDER is a proven, affordable product that reduces barriers to powering homes with clean energy.
Renewing Members
Atwell, LLC is a national consulting, engineering, and construction services firm with offices throughout the country that deliver a broad range of strategic and creative solutions to clients in three core markets: real estate and land development, power and energy, and oil and gas. Atwell provides comprehensive turnkey services including land and right of way support, engineering, land surveying, environmental compliance and permitting, and project and program management.
Circle Power Renewables is a Michigan-based renewable energy development company focused on high value generation. Circle Power’s partners have over fifty years of collective experience during which they have been responsible for the development, construction or operation of several gigawatts of power projects and over three billion dollars of assets.
Convergent Energy + Power (Convergent) is a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America. Convergent has over a decade of experience financing and managing all aspects of the energy storage development cycle to help customers reduce electricity costs and increase reliability. The company’s commercial, industrial, and utility-scale assets can yield seven-figure savings while advancing the clean energy transition. Convergent’s proprietary asset management platform, PEAK IQ® leverages machine learning and deep market knowledge to optimize asset performance and maximize value. With over $1 bn invested in projects in operation or allocated to projects under development, Convergent is a leading independent owner and operator of energy storage and solar-plus-storage solutions.
Helping businesses reimagine the energy system to realize the value of renewables, storage, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency.
Dickinson Wright PLLC is a general practice business law firm dedicated to exceeding client expectations, with more than 450 attorneys in more than 50 practice areas. Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1878, the firm has eighteen offices in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Florida and Texas. The firm is very active in clean energy.
East Point Energy is a development firm focused on the origination, construction, and operation of energy storage projects. Our team is currently developing gigawatts of energy storage projects throughout the country, helping to transform the grid into a renewable, resilient, and affordable system for generations to come. East Point is a wholly owned subsidiary of Equinor, a broad international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. East Point’s nimble team is comprised of hard-working, strategic problem solvers who are passionate about sustainability. We are technology and contractor agnostic, allowing us to find the best solution for each project. The firm’s executive team founded East Point in 2018, bringing decades of combined energy development experience. Success for East Point is measured by delivering affordable energy storage solutions that benefit the grid, communities, and our environment.
EDP Renewables North America LLC
EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA), its affiliates, and its subsidiaries develop, construct, own, and operate wind farms, solar parks, and energy storage systems throughout North America. EDPR NA has developed more than 10,600 megawatts (MW) and operates more than 9,600 MW of onshore utility-scale renewable energy projects. With more than 1,000 employees, EDPR NA’s highly qualified team has a proven capacity to execute projects across the continent.
Energy Alliance Group of Michigan
In 2012, The Energy Alliance Group of North America (EAG) was started for one purpose, to develop and deploy innovative solutions to energy, waste, and environmental challenges around the world. The differentiating strength of our methods for developing solutions is the holistic approach we take and the extensive knowledge we and our partners have, in technology, financing, incentives, and integrated services – all critical elements to insuring the highest return on investment (ROI) for our clients. Unlike most competitors, EAG is technology agnostic and solution driven. Representing or distributing no particular product or technology, our clients are provided with an optimal solution – not one in which EAG has a vested financial interest. In addition to reducing utility costs, we identify a number of incentives and operational savings to maximize our clients ROI. These include tax incentives, tax credits, utility choice, and other operational cost recovery services that complement the holistic approach we take. For each opportunity, EAG defines the total cost of ownership for a period of 20-years or longer. Combined with the utility reduction to be achieved, our life cycle cost models include qualified credits and incentives, and identify maintenance, end of life replacement costs and inflation costs – all representing the true cost of ownership and return on investment. This capability and area of expertise, allows a “cradle to grave” approach to efficiency improvement and cost recovery solutions for energy, waste, and environmental challenges, large or small. Together with our technology and service partners, EAG is considered a leader in developing and deploying solutions for energy, waste and environmental challenges, with an expertise in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) funded projects.
Energy Dome
Energy Dome is at the forefront of redefining long-duration energy storage with its CO2 Battery. The properties of carbon dioxide allow the system to store energy efficiently and cost-effectively through a patented thermodynamic process. With a modular approach and site-independent footprint, CO2 Batteries use readily available, off-the-shelf components from reliable, existing supply chains, providing a scalable pathway to store massive amounts of intermittent renewable energy and accelerate the energy transition. Energy Dome is commercializing the CO2 Battery on all five continents and in over 40 countries. Energy Dome’s mission? Decarbonizing the world today.
EVgo is a leader in charging solutions, building and operating the infrastructure and tools needed to expedite the mass adoption of electric vehicles for individual drivers, rideshare and commercial fleets, and businesses. Since its founding in 2010, EVgo has led the way to a cleaner transportation future and its network has been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2019. As one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks, EVgo’s owned and operated charging network includes around 900 fast charging locations in 60 metropolitan areas in 30 states. EVgo continues to add more DC fast charging locations through EVgo eXtend™, its white label service offering.
Fieldworks Power, LLC is a greenfield distributed energy development company focused on shaping new markets across the US. Fieldworks is led by a team of experienced renewable energy professionals who have been pioneers in their respective areas of expertise. The company works hand in hand with landowners, regulators, legislators, utilities and other stakeholders to thoughtfully and responsibly bring more renewables onto the electrical grid. Founded in 2023, Fieldworks is well capitalized via its financing structure with a top five pure play renewable energy independent power producer.
Since 2006, Harvest Solar’s mission has been to assist residential, agricultural, commercial, and utility customers in becoming more sustainable, efficient and independent with renewable energy. We pride ourselves on partnering with our customers throughout this experience, consistently delivering quality, custom-designed & engineered, cost-effective energy systems.
Developer of utility scale solar and battery energy storage systems.
IonDynamics is an energy mobility solutions company dedicated to revolutionizing the way energy is stored, distributed, and traded worldwide. Our mission is to leverage state-of-the-art technologies to develop an innovative energy platform that ensures seamless access and smart management of clean energy. With a focus on innovation and building a robust network, we are evolving into a comprehensive energy trading platform that promotes sustainability and efficiency in every transaction. We are committed to empowering communities and industries to embrace a clean, resilient, and decentralized energy future.
Jupiter is a leading energy storage infrastructure platform with deep trading, analytics, development, finance, operations, and construction capabilities and unparalleled intellectual property in dispatch optimization. The company is developing more than 11,000 MW of projects from California to Maine, and has offices in Austin and Houston, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois. For more information on Jupiter Power LLC, please visit our Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook pages or visit www.jupiterpower.io.
Lakeshore Die Cast is a manufacturer of aluminum and zinc die castings founded in 1959 in Michigan. We make die castings for all industries but primarily serve non-automotive customers. More recently we are involved in energy generation through on-site solar and would like to share our experience with other medium sized manufactures to speed adoption of renewables for economic advantage.
McNaughton-McKay Electric Company
McNaughton-McKay Electric Company is a leading distributor of electrical products for the industrial, automation, commercial, and construction markets. We opened in 1910 and are headquartered in Madison Heights, Michigan with 22 additional locations in 5 States and Germany. Each of our branch locations are committed to ensuring your needs are being met and we truly understand your business and industry goals.
Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US
Mitsubishi Electric Trane US is a manufacturer of All-Climate heat pump technology. Systems are designed for elevated living and lower impact on the environment. Our mission is to provide personal comfort to our customers and create prosperous communities where we live and work.
Third Pillar Solar is an American energy company that partners with waterbody and brownfield site owners to transform underused real-estate into valuable energy projects. By focusing equally on the community, environmental, and economic value of projects, we develop assets that we are proud to own and operate long-term.
With over a decade of experience operating distribution grid assets in real-time, Utilidata is bringing distributed AI to the edge of the grid to accelerate decarbonization and better serve people.
Founded in 2000, Walker-Miller Energy Services (WMES) is a woman & minority-owned urban energy waste reduction company focusing on empowering people and enriching communities. We achieve that by providing an exceptional experience to our customers, our team members and the communities in which we serve. Our talented team of Certified Energy Managers (CEM), BPI Certified Energy Analysts, LEED accredited Professionals, Building Analysts, and internal support staff have been delivering energy efficiency services for nearly two decades.
Michigan Energy News
- The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office announces an up to $7.17 billion loan guarantee for DTE Electric “to help finance significant generation and battery storage to power Michigan’s future.”
- The Detroit News speaks with Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman and others about the effects of President Trump’s executive order on grant money that was heading to Michigan.
- Michigan EIBC member ESA Solar announces the permitting of its under-development 150-MW/600-MWh Salzburg battery storage project.
- In a case that could be heading to the U.S. Supreme Court, a federal appeals court panel finds that a portion of the 2016 Michigan energy law governing alternative electricity suppliers violates the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.
- Michigan EGLE announces the third round of its Renewables Ready Communities awards.
- CBS Detroit talks to Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chair Dan Scripps about coldproofing Michigan’s energy supply.
- Michigan State Police deploys its first all-electric patrol vehicle.
National Energy News
- Offshore wind permitting is essentially frozen at the federal level after a Trump executive order.
- Trump’s order seeking to pause Inflation Reduction Act funding is likely to be challenged in court.
- A fire at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility is leading to calls for a new safety approach for the energy storage industry in general.
- A growing political effort in the state of Oklahoma seeks to ban new renewable energy entirely.
Job Board
Attention Michigan EIBC members: if you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send a paragraph describing the position and a link to apply to Matt Bandyk at matt@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.
Advanced Energy United
Policy Associate – Central. Location: Austin, Tex.
Advanced Energy United is currently seeking a candidate with strong interpersonal and communication skills and excellent analytical and writing skills with interest and/or experience in policy advocacy for an entry-level Associate position. The Associate will work with other Advanced Energy United team members to accelerate the U.S.’s transition to 100% clean energy and clean transportation. This work will involve supporting a variety of priority initiatives across the organization but with focus on Central Region states (TX, IL, IN, MI and WI). This includes educating decision-makers about advanced energy, helping other advocates understand policy levers, and facilitating advanced energy member company engagement with decision-makers. The Associate will also help Advanced Energy United track legislative and regulatory policy developments around the country using our software platform Insight Engine, providing up-to-date policy intelligence to subscribers.
Policy Principal – Central. Location: Remote.
United seeks an enthusiastic, smart, innovative Principal with a background in issue advocacy and/or coalition building at the state level to join our policy and campaign team. The principal will work with United team members to develop and implement multi-year strategies and initiatives designed to achieve policy successes at the state level that will accelerate the clean energy transition while expanding markets for the advanced energy industry. The Principal will craft and execute creative strategies to: enact pro-advanced energy policies in key states in our Central Region, primarily Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan with secondary focus on Wisconsin and Texas; educate and build support for advanced energy technologies and policies among key decision-makers within states; engage in regulatory proceedings in states; support and advocate for the implementation of the state and federal laws by state regulatory and executive agencies; defend existing advanced energy policies; and educate and activate policymakers and executive agency staff on regional solutions needed to achieve 100% clean energy. The principal will also lead, execute and/or support United’s regulatory engagements in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Candidates will need to have the ability to travel to meet with United members, coalition allies and stakeholders, and public officials.
Elevate
Decarbonization Project Manager, Community Programs (MI). Location: Michigan.
Elevate’s Decarbonization Project Manager on the Community Programs – Michigan Team is integral in advancing Elevate’s goal of decarbonizing affordable housing and non-profit buildings. The Decarbonization Project Manager, Community Programs also contributes to various projects aimed at improving building performance and promoting clean energy solutions. This position leads and executes assignments in specialized technical domains, working collaboratively with team members to achieve our mission and commitment exceptional project delivery while demonstrating Elevate’s organizational values, commitment to equity, and principles of partnership
Senior Project Consultant, Community Consulting. Location: Chicago.
The Senior Project Consultant, Community Consulting works with communities to guide the implementation of projects and programs, maintains client relationships, and assists with program development for initiatives related to affordable housing and sustainable communities with an emphasis on energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, decarbonization, and community resilience. Projects focus on providing technical assistance to communities to help them achieve their sustainability goals by identifying funding opportunities, connecting them to technical resources, and providing expertise in policy and program design centered on equity, economic inclusion, and community and stakeholder engagement. This position requires experience with community engagement best practices and familiarity with building retrofit programs, building science practices, and their connection with climate equity. The Senior Project Consultant, Community Consulting collaborates with others in the National Strategic Engagement team and with core service departments of Elevate, as well as national partner organizations.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Departmental Analyst 9-P11/12, MI Solar for All Program Analyst. Location: Lansing.
This is a limited term position that functions as the MI Solar for All (MISFA) program analyst in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Executive Office, Office of Climate and Energy (OCE). The MISFA program has been awarded $156 million to support implementation of residential and community solar serving low-income and disadvantaged households to reduce household energy burden and greenhouse gas emissions. The program also includes energy storage deployment, enabling building upgrades, workforce development, community/technical assistance, vendor/consultant management, stakeholder engagement, site visits, and monitoring, performance and compliance activities.
Engineer 9-P11 – MI Solar for All Program Engineer. Location: Lansing.
This limited term position functions as the MI Solar for All (MISFA) program engineer in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Executive Office, Office of Climate and Energy (OCE). The MISFA program has been awarded $156 million to support implementation of residential and community solar serving low-income and disadvantaged households to reduce household energy burden and greenhouse gas emissions. The program also includes energy storage deployment; enabling building upgrades; workforce development; community/technical assistance; vendor/consultant management; stakeholder engagement; site visits; and monitoring, performance, and compliance activities.
This position will help conduct research and analyses supporting successful deployment of the MISFA program. Topics may include electric reliability, energy resiliency, and solar and storage equipment types and operation. In addition, it will help develop, evaluate, and manage MISFA grant programs. The role will include collaborating with relevant entities, such as residential households, state agencies, local governments, Tribal nations, community-based organizations, and utilities to ensure developed programs meet Michigan community needs as well as MISFA programmatic needs.
Michigan and National Energy Events
Join the Detroit 2030 District for its 2025 January Kickoff Party & Fundraiser on Jan. 30. Tickets are available for sale here.
The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is holding a Green Career Fair on Jan. 31. Employers and students can register here.
The 13th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference will be held at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing on April 2. Tickets will be available soon.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) MI Healthy Climate Conference is taking place April 22-23 at the Huntington Place in Detroit. Find out more here.
Opportunities
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has announced several new programs with funding available for energy-related projects, including the Agriculture and Rural Business Energy Incentive Program, the Small Manufacturers Retooling Program, the Grid Resiliency Program, the Water Energy Nexus Program and the Sponsorship Program.
The Electrification Coalition is calling on American businesses, trade associations, and workforce development organizations to urge the federal government to support the domestic EV manufacturing industry by maintaining clean vehicle tax policies and grants to continue to incentivize private investment. Read the letter here and fill out the form to add your organization as a signatory.
The Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) has an open, rolling solicitation seeking proposals for investment from project developers, sponsors, communities, private equity firms, financial intermediaries, co-lenders or others. Find out more information here.
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program is accepting applications from agricultural producers and rural small businesses for grants and guaranteed loans There is an upcoming deadline on March 31. Find out more here.
Proposals are due Feb. 7 for Round 2 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The MPSC has released a request for proposals seeking applicants for $4.875 million in Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grants. The deadline is March 20, and you can find out more at the MPSC’s webpage for the program here.
Michigan EGLE is offering at least $320,000 in funding MI Solar Communities-MI Solar Access Program. Applications will be accepted through March 31 or when funding is expended, whichever comes first. Find the request for proposals for MI Solar Access here.
Michigan EGLE has released an RFP for grants from its Clean Energy Workforce Development Program. The application deadline is July 30.
Michigan State University’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) is seeking a full-time Associate Professor (FT) to serve as the Director of the Institute of Public Utilities (IPU). Find out more about this position here.
RMI is looking for a regulatory expert to join its electricity team and help implement regulatory policies to ensure the energy transition is affordable for all. Find out more about this position here.
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.
Michigan EGLE is launching the Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA), which makes Michigan municipalities that have, on or after October 1, 2023, begun physically hosting and/or performing local permitting for any portion of an eligible renewable energy project eligible for awards of $5,000 per MW. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted and there is no specific deadline. More information on this opportunity can be found on the RRCA Webpage.