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July 23, 2026

Newsletter: Governor Whitmer Makes Data Center Pledge, Jared Deluccia moderates MPSC panel, 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:

    Governor Whitmer Makes Data Center Pledge

    Last week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer introduced a plan to implement a framework for future data center construction in Michigan. Whitmer’s “Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan” outlines a path to prevent residential ratepayers from facing higher costs because of data centers. The Governor’s proposal also asks data center builders to voluntarily pledge to provide jobs for Michigan residents and keep environmental impacts low.

    Democrats in both of Michigan’s legislative bodies have introduced bills (Senate bills 1046–1049 and House bills 6135–6141) that would codify protections for ratepayers in Michigan. Michigan EIBC staff have been working to improve these bills, including calling for any increased load resulting from data center operation to be served by clean energy. Michigan EIBC also submitted testimony to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) regarding the building of a massive one gigawatt Google data center between Detroit and Ann Arbor in Van Buren Township. Michigan EIBC joined other groups in highlighting that if this data center is to be approved, it needs to be served by the most cost-effective clean energy resources including third-party owned projects and behind-the-meter distributed energy resources.

    Michigan EIBC’s Regulatory Analyst Jared Deluccia moderates panel for the Michigan Public Service Commission’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Technical Conference

    On July 14th, Michigan EIBC’s Regulatory Analyst Jared Deluccia moderated a panel for the MPSC’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technical conference. The panel, consisting of industry experts from UtilityAPI, Landis+Gyr, and Bidgely, covered questions central to a recent PSC order in Case No. 22065, including what AMI 1.0 has accomplished to date. The panel also discussed the promises of next-generation AMI (AMI 2.0) and how public utility commissions across the country are approaching next-generation AMI. In addition, panelists evaluated the benefits that both utility customers and utilities themselves receive from these technologies. The panel contributed to an informative technical conference that also included presentations from DTE, Consumers, ICF, and the Mission:data coalition. 

    The AMI Technical Conference continues Michigan EIBC’s involvement in conversations aimed at ensuring meaningful AMI progress in Michigan. In 2025, Michigan EIBC’s president Dr. Laura Sherman authored an opinion piece in Utility Dive, and also spoke on the gridx podcast. In each, Sherman focused on the importance of fully leveraging AMI’s capabilities, such as further integrating distributed energy resources into the grid, and the need for comprehensive plans to roll out the next generation of this technology.

    Register For the 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala

    Michigan EIBC’s 14th Annual Michigan 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. For event information and registration, click the button below.

    REGISTER FOR THE GALA HERE

    Michigan EIBC extends its sincere appreciation to this year’s Gala sponsors, whose support helps make the event possible. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Brianna (brianna@mieibc.org) for more information!

    New Member

    Click logos to learn more

    Founded in 1981, Tigmaster has evolved from a local tool-and-die welding shop into a modern, 42,800-square-foot fabrication facility. Powered by real-time job tracking and advanced machine tools, Tigmaster offers a comprehensive range of capabilities designed to bring complex projects to life with unmatched accuracy. 

    Key Services include..
    – MIG, TIG & Laser Welding
    – Laser Cutting
    – Water-jet Cutting
    – Forming & Rolling
    – CNC Machining & Rapid Prototyping
    – Complete Custom Metal Fabrication

    Whether you need intricate prototypes or large-scale production runs, Tigmaster combines decades of local expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver superior results on time.

    Renewing Member

    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.

    Michigan Energy News

    • Michigan lawmakers introduce legislation that would prohibit DTE Energy and Consumers Energy from making political donations. (The Detroit News)
    • Michigan regulators approve key permits for the proposed Line 5 tunnel project beneath the Straits of Mackinac. (Black Chronicle) 
    • Northern Michigan communities are adjusting to Michigan’s new clean energy siting law. (Michigan Advance) 
    • Hazardous wildfire smoke drifting into Michigan has renewed debate over the state’s energy future.  (Michigan Advance)

    National Energy News

    • New analysis projects U.S. data centers could quadruple their water consumption by 2028 and double electricity demand by 2030. (Utility Dive)
    • Ford Motor Company has launched a new vehicle-to-home solution that will allow compatible Ford pickup truck owners to tap their vehicles for up to five days of home backup power. (Utility Dive)
    • U.S. electric utilities have increased planned capital investments to nearly $1.5 trillion through 2030 as they prepare for rising electricity demand, grid modernization, and the expansion of new generation resources. (EnergyNow)
    • The U.S. Department of Energy has removed or archived numerous webpages containing heat and climate information during a period of extreme heat, raising concerns about public access to energy and climate resources. (The Guardian)
    • U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector continued to decline in 2025 as increased renewable generation and lower coal use offset rising electricity demand. (Utility Dive).
    • U.S. utilities are racing to secure transformers, turbines, and other critical grid equipment as surging electricity demand from AI-driven data centers strains supply chains and lengthens delivery times. (Reuters) 

    Events

    • 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.
    • September 1: Powering Your Fleet: Maximizing Funding Opportunities to Enable Fleet Electrification – Join Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan for a public convening workshop to learn more about funding opportunities available to public and private fleet operators to support fleet electrification. The event will feature industry experts and key state stakeholders to talk about how to stack available funding, coordinate with advisory services, and choose the right vehicles and charging to meet your needs. 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

    Resources