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:

Impacts of Michigan Home Energy Rebates

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently published an update on its Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) program. Michigan EIBC supported the launch of MiHER, which provides rebates to help Michigan households improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and increase home comfort while supporting local economies.

EGLE hopes to fund energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for 15,000 homes in 10 districts across the state. In the Marquette district, for example, 400 homeowners so far have been approved for participation in the program, 90 projects are underway, 40 projects are completed, and more than $595,000 in rebates have been distributed.

The MiHER program is seeking contractors to provide home energy assessments and install energy efficiency and electrification measures. For questions about contractor participation, email the MiHER program team at MiHerContractor@WMEnergy.com or call 855-510-7080.

Read more.

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Michigan EIBC at RE+ Midwest

This week, Michigan EIBC staff attended RE+ Midwest, a two-day event bringing together leading clean energy businesses, utilities, professionals, and policymakers. Michigan EIBC Policy Director Justin Carpenter was a panelist at two sessions. The first focused on breaking down how elections could shift the trajectory of renewable energy deployment. The session also covered what’s at stake for clean energy policy, and how changes in state leadership can directly impact project timelines, market opportunities, and investment risk.

Carpenter also spoke on a panel focused on virtual power plant rollouts in various Midwest states. He discussed how Michigan clean energy laws could pave the way for more coordination of distributed energy resources across the state. The session also covered how utilities are transitioning from traditional demand response programs to more complex virtual power plan programs as well as the opportunities and challenges of integrating virtual power plants into the grid and markets.

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Ticket sales ending soon!

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.

Keynote Speaker Darrin Camilleri

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Renewing Members

Click logos to learn more

The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today.

With over 40 years of combined experience in the electrical utility industry, ecojiva, LLC is a full-service solar energy management system provider. ecojiva, LLC designs Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions for agriculture, commercial, and industrial enterprises, and is a full-service turn-key enterprise from inception to completion. Our engineers design PV systems that provide access to power independent of the utility grid, and creates surplus power that can be returned to the grid. Founded by utility industry veteran Sridhar K. Ayer, ecojiva, LLC is committed to energy innovation in the solar industry not only as a technology provider but through education and advocacy as well. The company’s expertise also encompasses Transmission & Distribution design services, patent-pending eco-DMT™ energy management system, and ecoSEMS™ complete solar energy solutions.

Greentech Renewables is a leading name in solar distribution, boasting over 100 locations strategically positioned in major solar markets throughout the U.S. We are dedicated to supporting your business with unmatched service and a diverse selection of vetted products, including modules, inverters, racking, balance of systems, and energy storage equipment for residential and commercial projects.

Established in 1855 as the nation’s pioneer land-grant university and Michigan’s first agricultural college, Michigan State University was founded to address society’s most pressing challenges through education, research and public service. That mission continues today. Across MSU’s 5,200-acre campus, sustainability comes alive through teaching, research, outreach, operations, and campus culture. From advancing solutions to complex global challenges and using our campus as a living laboratory for innovation and learning, sustainability helps connect ideas, people and action across the university. Guided by our land-grant heritage and commitment to public impact, Spartans are working to lay the foundation for a better, more resilient future for the university and the world around us.

Motor City Electric is a full service turn key electrical contracting firm. We specialize in performing all aspects of large complex electrical projects from low voltage commercial installations to EPC high voltage substations and transmission lines.

Pattern Energy is one of the world’s largest privately-owned developers and operators of wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects. Its operational portfolio includes more than 30 renewable energy facilities that use proven, best-in-class technology with an operating capacity of nearly 6,000 MW across North America. Pattern Energy is guided by a long-term commitment to serve customers, protect the environment, and strengthen communities.

Ryter Cooperative Industries (RCI), is a Detroit based minority-owned social impact company that provides customized engineering project management and educational services for community-based projects around clean energy development and empowerment. RCI works to bridge the gap in conversations between community and industry and specializes in energy-oriented solutions with a particular focus on solar technologies. These solutions include on-grid and off-grid solar assessments and designs, installations of solar lighting, design-build of solar internet and charging stations, and installation of solar systems for residential, commercial, public parks, and municipal applications.

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Michigan Energy News

• Consumers Energy plans to more than double its capacity by 2040. (Detroit News)
• Grand Traverse and Wexford counties respond to large-scale solar proposal in Northern Michigan. (Interlochen Public Radio)
• Some Michigan residents are still without power after severe weather. (Fox2Detroit)
• Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel plans to file another request for rehearing with the U.S. Department of Energy over a coal-fired power plant near Lake Michigan. (Great Lakes Echo)
• Michigan will test a pay-per-mile road funding system in 2027. (Mlive)
• U.S. defense and energy sectors add to G.M. and Ford’s century-old rivalry. (CNBC)

National Energy News

• The EV in your driveway could help power your home or business. (Biz Journals)
• A new power line could link three grids across three time zones. (Canary Media)
• Investors spent a record amount in the first half of 2026 on projects that combine renewable energy with batteries. (Canary Media)
• Utilities eye small modular nuclear reactors for reliability as hyperscalers drive demand.
• (Utility Dive) Land-based wind power pipeline shrinks as price gap with solar widens. (Utility Dive)
• A recent Michigan State University study explores the sources of opposition to renewable energy projects. (The Well News)

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Events

• September and October (see website for specific dates and locations): Renewable Energy Fundamentals— This program will explore what is currently known, where uncertainty remains, and how different perspectives and community priorities shape decision-making. This 4-hour program provides research-based information on the topics communities frequently raise. Through presentations, discussion, and networking, participants will gain a better understanding of Michigan’s evolving energy landscape and leave with resources to support continued learning and community conversations. Register here.
• September 27-29: Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit— Founded in Detroit, RECESS intentionally invites Black, Indigenous, Brown, and other historically underrepresented communities into meaningful participation, understanding, and awareness of the clean energy ecosystem. By bringing together community members, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, RECESS helps ensure the clean energy transition is inclusive and delivers benefits to the people most impacted by climate change, economic exclusion, and energy injustice. 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.
• October 12-15: The Battery Show of North America — Join informa for three full days of conference programming featuring over 140 hours of expert-led sessions and more than 250 speakers spanning advanced battery design, manufacturing, safety, recycling, market strategy, and more — plus exclusive keynotes from leading OEMs and industry innovators. 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 Mark Griffin at mark@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.

• Evergreen Action – Midwest Regional Advocate
• Great Plains Institute (GPI) – Director Of Utility and Regulatory Innovation
• Advanced Energy United – Policy Principal, Decision-Maker Education & Engagement

Opportunities

• The County of Wayne is requesting responses from qualified contractors in order to create a list of pre-qualified contractors to provide energy efficiency project services at County owned properties and projects with local governments throughout Wayne County’s 43 Communities. A virtual pre-bid conference was held on Wednesday, August 26. Please feel free to reach out to Sean Regan in the Wayne County procurement team with any questions. 
• The Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA) hosted by Michigan’s EGLE is a one-time payment that local governments can receive for hosting and/or permitting eligible large-scale renewable energy projects. Local governments can apply as soon as an eligible energy project is permitted, and award payment is made when construction on the project begins. An eligible project is a grid-connected wind, solar, or energy storage project in Michigan which received a local permit (e.g. a land use permit or site plan approval) after September 30th, 2023. Read more.
• EGLE is accepting applications for its 2026 Clean Energy Workforce Development Program, which will award grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to support workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways that advance Michigan’s clean energy economy. Eligible nonprofits and small businesses can apply through August 30, 2026 here.
• 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
• 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.