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:

On July 3rd, Michigan lawmakers approved the fiscal year 2027 state budget, which reduced the total amount of funds authorized to roughly $75 billion and finalized funding levels for several energy and mobility programs. Although there were concerns that certain unspent projects, including the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure (CFCI) grant program, would be pulled back to offset the budget deficit, thanks in part to Michigan EIBC and member engagement, CFCI made it through the budget negotiations unscathed. The CFCI program provides grants for electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and EGLE is expected to launch its third tranche of funding targeting fleet EV charging in Fall 2026. 

The final budget also included a one-time $5 million general fund appropriation for weatherization assistance, which will support energy efficiency improvements and home repairs for low-income households across the state. However, not all proposed energy initiatives were included in the final budget. A proposed $3 million revolving loan fund for geothermal energy projects, which had been previously included in the Senate EGLE subcommittee budget, was removed during negotiations.

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Register Today for the 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala

Michigan EIBC’s 14th Annual Energy Innovators Gala will return to Detroit’s Gem Theatre on October 7, bringing together more than 300 leaders from across Michigan’s advanced energy industry, government, and business community for an evening of networking and recognition. Since its inception, the Gala has become one of Michigan EIBC’s premier events, celebrating the companies, projects, and public officials helping advance Michigan’s energy economy while providing attendees an opportunity to connect with industry peers and policymakers. 

The evening will feature Michigan EIBC’s annual awards presentation, recognizing achievements in categories including Business of the Year, Public Official of the Year, and Project of the Year, as well as a keynote program and networking reception. Members, legislators, state officials, industry partners, and supporters of Michigan’s advanced energy sector are encouraged to attend. Michigan EIBC also extends its sincere appreciation to this year’s Gala sponsors, whose support helps make the event possible. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact Brianna (brianna@mieibc.org) for more information!

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New Member

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PowerWorks is focused on the development, ownership, and operation of clean, renewable wind, solar, and battery storage power projects. We employ an experienced team of engineering, finance, and operating staff. Since 1998, PowerWorks’ project development experience involved over 80 wind and solar projects, in 14 states and 40 countries around the world, including owning-operating over 900 wind turbines domestically. We have offices located in Idaho, California, and Florida.

Renewing Member

Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) LLC is a leading provider of ultra-pure polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, solar cells, and modules. At HSC, we’re passionate about silicon-based technology and its unique potential to connect and energize the world we share. HSC’s polysilicon enables customers to produce high-tech electronics and solar energy, and our efficient manufacturing process delivers products with an ultra-low-carbon footprint. HSC began operations in 1961.

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Michigan Energy News

• DTE Energy’s electric reliability has improved in 2026, but many customers continue to experience lengthy outages, fueling ongoing concerns about the utility’s performance and accountability. (Planet Detroit) 
• Linea Energy secures tax equity financing to advance utility-scale solar and battery storage projects in Michigan, supporting the continued expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in the U.S. (Yahoo Finance) 
• Commentary argues clean energy investments are creating new income opportunities for Michigan farmers while strengthening rural economies and supporting agricultural operations.  (Crain’s Grand Rapids Business) 
• DTE Energy will issue bill credits to thousands of southeast Michigan customers following prolonged power outages that exceeded the state’s reliability standards. (CBS Detroit) 
• Despite policies designed to consider equity, EV accessibility is still disproportionately low in Michigan compared to other states. (Michigan Public)
• Michigan receives lukewarm review from a new report out of the Brookings Institute developing an EV state policy scorecard. (Brookings Institute)

National Energy News

• CPS Energy agrees to pay nearly $400 million to settle claims over high natural gas costs incurred during Winter Storm Uri, ending years of litigation tied to the 2021 storm. (Utility Dive) 
• Honolulu earns a national energy efficiency award after upgrades across 49 city parks significantly reduced energy use and operating costs. (KITV) 
• New analysis finds aging and insufficient infrastructure is creating bottlenecks across U.S. electricity, oil, and natural gas markets, highlighting the need for expanded energy investment. (EnergyNow) 
• New analysis traces 250 years of U.S. energy consumption, illustrating the nation’s transition from wood and coal to petroleum, natural gas, and an increasingly diverse energy mix. (Energy News Pro) 
• FERC denies waiver for a proposed gas power plant in the PJM fast-track review process, (Utility Dive) 
• WeaveGrid partners with GM Energy to connect EV drivers with energy programs. (Electric Drives)

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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.
• 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

• 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)
  • Agricultural Business Energy Incentive Program
  • Community Energy Management Program
  • Small Manufacturers Retooling
  • Water Energy Nexus Program 
  • Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure Program
  • MI Solar Access Program
  • Fuel Transformation Program

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.