Newsletter: Interstate transmission lines approved, Carreon’s tenure ends, and more

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 Greenlights First New Interstate Transmission Lines in 50 Years

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved the certificates of public convenience and necessity for two major transmission projects – the Helix-Hiple and Nelson Road-Oneida lines – marking the state’s first new interstate connection in 50 years. These projects, part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) Long-Range Transmission Plan, are expected to boost grid reliability, support greater clean energy integration, and generate an estimated $6.2 billion in benefits for Michigan over the next 20 years. Michigan EIBC and Clean Grid Alliance actively supported the projects in the MPSC proceedings, emphasizing their importance for advancing Michigan’s advanced energy economy.

The Helix-Hiple line will span approximately 55 miles from northern Indiana to a new substation southwest of Lansing, while the 40-mile Nelson Road-Oneida line will connect Oneida Township to the Nelson Road substation in New Haven Township. Together, these 345 kV lines will strengthen Michigan’s ability to import and export electricity, improving grid stability and supporting clean energy growth. Once completed, the projects will power up to 1.7 million homes and support 34,000 jobs. 

In its final order, the Commission opened a separate docket (U-21930) directing staff to work with interested parties to develop more stringent filing guidelines to promote clarity, efficiency and transparency in future Act 30 cases. 


Thank You Commissioner Carreon for Your Service on the Michigan Public Service Commission

Commissioner Alessandra Carreon’s tenure at the Michigan Public Service Commission came to an end July 10th after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer chose not to reappoint her last month.Commissioner Carreon’s term was marked by strong leadership on clean energy issues and prioritizing the interests of everyday Michiganders. 

“I wanted to say that serving as a commissioner has been a true honor,” Carreon said. “Importantly, I leave this bench with sincere and deep gratitude for the staff at the commission who wake up every day and perform their duties as public servants and leaders for the benefit of Michiganders across our great state and for my two exceptional colleagues whose brilliance, compassion and integrity will continue to serve in the best interests of the people of Michigan.”

Both Chair Dan Scripps and Commissioner Katherine Peretick praised Commissioner Carreon’s work while on the Commission, noting her leadership on electric vehicles, natural gas planning and community engagement.

“We are extremely disappointed that the Governor chose not to reappoint Commissioner Carreon to the Michigan Public Service Commission,” said Dr. Laura Sherman, President of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “She has taken a measured approach to cases before the Commission and has exhibited a deep curiosity and passion for equity and clean energy issues.” 

Gov. Whitmer has not yet announced an appointment to replace Commissioner Carreon.


New Members

Bowman is a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment. Click the logo to learn more about Bowman’s services.

Renewing Members


Join Michigan EIBC for our 13th Annual Energy Innovators Gala!

Michigan EIBC is excited to welcome our members, Michigan legislators and state officials, and the general public to our 13th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala on September 24th at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. Our gala is a wonderful opportunity to network with colleagues, policymakers, and industry experts, all while celebrating the individuals and businesses who succeeded in growing Michigan’s advanced energy sector. 

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS!

Sponsorship opportunities are available, please reach out to Brianna <brianna@mieibc.org> to sponsor.


Michigan Energy News

  • Some Michigan cities say they will continue to electrify municipal fleets despite the elimination of federal EV tax credits. (Detroit News)
  • Michigan pauses implementation of new building energy codes strengthening energy efficiency standards as lawsuits play out. (MLive)
  • The National Park Service approved Michigan EIBC member Advanced Battery Concepts’ 720 kWh energy storage solution for Michigan’s Manitou Islands.
  • A new study estimates the One Big Beautiful Bill will cost Michigan ratepayers $320 a year and eliminate 19,000 jobs. (Planet Detroit)
  • The Michigan Public Service Commission waived some fees attached to siting applications for utility-scale wind, solar and energy facilities. (Gongwer)

National Energy News

  • The White House issued an executive order directing the Treasury Department to provide new guidance restricting the projects that still qualify for wind and solar tax credits following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill. (The Hill)
  • President Trump threatens Japan and South Korea with 25% tariffs, Canada with 35% tariffs, and announces a plan to impose a 50% tariff on copper. Meanwhile, the State Department is in talks with Japan, India, and Australia for a critical minerals initiative. (NYTWSJHeatmapReuters)

Events

  • July 22 (Lansing): Michigan Commercial Energy Codes Deep Dive — Join MiGBC and E3M solutions for a deep dive into the Mechanical, Functional Performance Testing, and Electrical sections of the new code. Sign up for Detroit or Lansing.
  • Sept. 24: 13th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala — For more event information and to purchase tickets, click here. 
  • *NEW* Oct. 13-15: 2025 Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS25) — If you believe in growing the clean energy industry by removing barriers to sustainable clean energy careers; creating equitable pathways to business ownership and expansion; retrofitting the built environment to address health and economic disparities; and collective action with like-minded decision-makers and innovators, please register to attend at www.therecessconference.com. The summit, hosted by Walker-Miller Energy Services, will be held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. 
  • Oct. 14-16: Forth Roadmap Conference — Connect with industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and shape the future of mobility. Roadmap 2025 is where policymakers, utilities, automakers, and industry innovators come together to advance clean transportation solutions. Use MEIBC75 for $75 off full conference tickets. Find out more and register at roadmapforth.org

Jobs

Send job postings to Kaei Li at kaei@mieibc.org to be featured on the newsletter. Please include a specific end date for the job posting.

Opportunities

Resources

  • 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.