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November 10, 2024

Newsletter: Election, Internship Opportunity and More

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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:

    Quick Reaction to 2024 Election

    The 2024 election will usher in changes as Republicans take control of the state House with a (likely) 58-52 majority. Given the change in majority, it is expected that the legislature may have a more robust lame duck session over the next several weeks.

    Gongwer reported that current Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland) will become Speaker. On the Democratic side, Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) will serve as minority leader. Puri was the sponsor of several important clean energy bills this session, including the Homeowner Energy Freedom Bill, a bill that passed this year that was strongly supported by Michigan EIBC.

    The Senate Democratic majority will at least temporarily be 19-18 with Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) leaving after winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. A special election to fill her state Senate seat will be held, although the timeline for that election is unclear because it is up to the governor’s discretion, Gongwer reported.

     

    Sustainable Buildings Internship Opportunity for Michigan EIBC and IEI

    Michigan EIBC and Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI) seek a paid graduate-level intern to support policy research on building sustainability, electrification, and energy efficiency. The ideal candidate will have excellent research and writing skills, time management and organizational skills, be attentive to details, be self-motivated with the ability to take initiative with minimal supervision, and be eager to learn and excel in a small, collaborative team environment.

    The selected candidate will be expected to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to this work starting on or around January 6, 2025, with increased hours (up to full time) expected during summer. The internship will be 12 months in length.

    The deadline to apply is 5:00 pm, Nov. 25. Click here to find out more about this opportunity and how to apply.

     

    Michigan Climate Investment Accelerator Launched

    Late last week, the state announced the creation of the Michigan Climate Investment Accelerator, an effort to help community lenders secure funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which is providing $27 billion in financial assistance to clean energy projects around the country.

    The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy will lead the Accelerator, which will also work in partnership with Michigan EIBC member Michigan Saves, the Michigan CDFI Coalition and the Michigan Credit Union League.

    The Accelerator will have two primary parts: first, the Michigan Climate Investment Fund (MCIF) will spend “$10 million in matching grants for community lenders and $1 million in technical assistance to help community lenders build capacity to apply for GGRF,” EGLE said in a statement. Second, the Michigan Climate Investment Hub will be a Detroit-based public-private partnership that “aims to position Michigan as a priority market for GGRF investment and facilitate the development of investment-ready projects.”

    At the Michigan Energy Innovators Gala in September, the keynote speaker was one of the architects of the GGRF: Nicole Steele, who went from EPA to become director of climate banking at Amalgamated Bank. Steele talked about how one of the goals of the GGRF is to change how financing institutions think about clean energy.

    New Members

     

    Concentro
    Concentro is a technology platform that helps clean energy developers monetize their tax credits through transferability, with a focus on DG projects. Our mission is to make clean energy finance accessible to projects of all sizes, starting with tax credit transfers. We simplify the tax credit transfer process by taking care of everything – from diligence to insurance – thus providing a seamless way to convert tax credits into capital, making it accessible for middle-sized projects.

    Korsail Energy
    Korsail Energy develops innovative, community oriented renewable energy projects from start to finish. We rely on our deep industry knowledge and experience to create best in class projects and provide carbon-free energy to corporates, utilities and communities across the country.

    Renewing Members

    Elevate
    Elevate is a nonprofit that ensures clean, affordable heat, cooling, power, and water for all, prioritizing frontline communities. We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most. Our team includes experts in energy efficiency, solar, engineering, architecture, planning, construction management, policy, finance, and community engagement. We run energy efficiency, solar, battery storage, workforce development, and clean water programs, focusing on affordable housing and underserved communities. With offices in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, we also work remotely across the US through partnerships with the US Department of Energy. We collaborate with homeowners, renters, building owners, nonprofits, utilities, and municipalities to reduce energy costs and improve quality of life, building strong community connections and delivering high-quality services.

    Oak Electric
    When it comes to emergency power solutions, Oak Electric specializes in the sales, installation and service of a wide selection of automatic standby and backup generators. Oak Electric is a Top Premier Generac Generator Dealer in Southeast Michigan and in the country and has completed more than 20,000 residential and commercial generator installations. In addition, Oak Electric has been at the forefront of bringing renewable energy solutions to Michigan residents and businesses, providing sales, service and installation of solar panels, battery backup systems and wind power to a growing number of customers who want to experience the efficiency and environmental benefits of “green” energy. Oak Electric knows how busy life can get and also knows that helping clients achieve a truly functional and comfortable environment goes beyond servicing their electrical system. Oak Electric’s full range of services enables Oak to simplify and expand the customer experience to provide everything necessary to keep the power on, the temperatures comfortable, the air clean and the water flowing, whether at home or in the office. Electrical, generators, solar, heating, cooling, plumbing…One call covers it all! Locally owned and operated, Oak Electric started out as a family-minded business, a philosophy Oak continues to embrace. Gary Pipia, President and Owner, states “Whether it relates to our clients or our amazing staff, we are proud of the fact that many of our employees have been with us an average of 10 years or more, which reflects the value we place on the people who work for us and the integral part they play in our success.”

    Pattern Energy
    We develop, construct, own, and operate high-quality wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects worldwide.

    Utopian Power
    Utopian Power is a Michigan-based clean energy development company focused on providing localized solutions that fit the needs of our customers and their communities.  With a mission statement of “Accelerating renewable energy adoption by providing responsible energy options to communities, be they individuals, businesses, cities, regions, or the world.” Utopian Power offers management and execution of clean energy projects, including consultation, development, finance, design, and construction; with a market focus on municipal, community or utility scale energy developments.


    ​

    Michigan Energy News

    • Ann Arbor voters overwhelmingly approve a ballot proposal for the city to move forward with a sustainable energy utility.
    • Researchers from Michigan State University and Purdue University are working on a project to help farmers use solar power to cut energy demands for irrigation practices.
    • Michigan Central Station is highlighted as an example of bringing energy efficiency to historic facilities.
    • Consumers Energy completes its Mid-Michigan gas pipeline.

    National Energy News

    • Tuesday’s election results stirred up fear in the markets for renewable energy stocks, but that reaction may have been “exaggerated,” one analyst says.
    • One effect of a second Trump administration could be a sharp increase in domestic gas prices as more liquefied natural gas is exported.
    • The Tennessee Valley Authority approves a power purchase agreement for the xAI supercomputer facility.
    • California voters pass a proposition that will authorize a $10 billion bond to fund climate change adaptation efforts, offshore wind at ports, transmission lines and long-duration energy storage, among other clean energy infrastructure.

     

    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 Principal – Decision Maker Education & Engagement – Central. Location: Remote.

    Advanced Energy United (United) is currently seeking a Policy Principal to join our Decisionmaker Education and Engagement team (DMEE) in the Central United States (Midwest and Texas).

    The DMEE team assists state regulators, state energy office officials, and candidates for governor to better understand advanced energy products, services, and business models. Through National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and National Association of State Energy (NASEO) engagement, business roundtables, and educational forums, United educates candidates, commissioners, energy office officials, and staff members about the benefits advanced energy technologies and services can provide to customers and helps to solve the challenges in obtaining these benefits. 

    The Policy Principal will be responsible for strategizing, implementing, and managing workstreams dedicated to educating decision makers and engaging other key stakeholders on topics critical to advanced energy.

    Michigan EIBC

    Sustainable Buildings Intern. Location: Remote.

    Michigan EIBC and Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI) seek a paid graduate-level intern to support policy research on building sustainability, electrification, and energy efficiency. The ideal candidate will have excellent research and writing skills, time management and organizational skills, be attentive to details, be self-motivated with the ability to take initiative with minimal supervision, and be eager to learn and excel in a small, collaborative team environment.

    Utopian Power

    Project Manager – Utility-Scale Solar. Location: Lansing

    The Project Manager will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of the solar project,
    including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout. This is an
    onsite position, requiring the Project Manager to be present at the project location throughout its
    duration. Close collaboration with engineering, environmental, and regulatory teams as well as
    the client and subcontractors is essential.
    To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio of relevant projects to
    Forrest Cohn at fcohn@utopianpower.com. Applications will be accepted until November 15, 2024.

    Walker-Miller Energy Services

    Outreach Manager. Location: Detroit.
    We are seeking an experienced Outreach Manager to lead the outreach and engagement for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of outreach experience and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in outreach and engagement, and managing campaigns, with diverse stakeholders.

    Field Operations Manager. Location: Detroit.
    We are seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead the field team and activities for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of experience in managing a field team and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in home and building assessments, quality assurance and quality control processes, and supervising a field team.

     

    Michigan and National Energy Events

    In Lansing on Dec. 4, legislators, Staff, and Michigan EIBC members are invited to join the Institute for Energy Innovation for an Energy 101 “Breakfast + Brainstorm” session on the subject of “Minifridges, Microgrids, and MISO: Maintaining Grid Resilience at Scale,” to be held at the Mackinac Room in the Anderson House Office Building. Please contact Michigan EIBC for more information (mieibc@mieibc.org). 

     

    Opportunities

    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.

    The State of Michigan released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a planning consultant to support planning for the Michigan Solar for All program. Proposals are due Nov. 19.

    Consumers Energy has released the RFP package for the 2024 IRP for Solar Generation Projects. Project qualification applications are due Dec. 12.

    The Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for “up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States.” The related Notice of Funding Opportunity is expected to be released in the fall of 2024. Find out more here.

    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.

    Michigan EGLE is offering at least $320,000 in funding MI Solar Communities-MI Solar Access Program. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025, 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, 2025.