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:

Michigan EIBC Files Testimony in DTE Rate Case

This April, DTE Electric filed a case before the Michigan Public Service Commission to raise its rates by $474.3 million. 

On August 26, Michigan EIBC, Advanced Energy United, and the Institute for Energy Innovation filed expert witness testimony in the case from Michigan EIBC president Dr. Laura Sherman and Michigan EIBC policy principal Sophia Schuster. Witness Schuster’s testimony provides evidence to support DTE’s EV adoption forecasts and applauds the Company’s expanded benefit-cost analysis, while urging the utility to take into account the full societal impacts of incorporating EV infrastructure. She argues that given the projected $1.8 billion in ratepayer benefits resulting from the Company’s transportation electrification plan, expanding several of the proposed rebate programs would allow the Company and its ratepayers to realize plan benefits fully and more efficiently.  Schuster’s testimony also calls on the Company to develop more robust managed charging and vehicle-to-grid pilots to better understand how EVs can be used as grid assets to support grid reliability and resilience.

Witness Sherman’s testimony focuses on the need to adopt appropriate rates for customers who install electric heating systems including heat pumps. DTE primarily structures its rates based on recovering costs to meet summer peak demand, but electric heating customers typically use more electricity in the winter. As a result, electric heating customers pay more than their fair share for grid infrastructure. Witness Sherman’s testimony recommends lowering costs in the winter and during late night/early morning hours, when electricity demand overall is lower, aligning costs more accurately for customers with heat pumps and other electric heating sources.

You can read our full testimony here.

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Keynote Speaker Announced for the 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala

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.

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!

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New Members

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Darcy Solutions designs and installs the most advanced groundwater-enabled geothermal systems in the world. Leveraging the thermal capacity of groundwater and our unique technology approach, Darcy’s all-electric geothermal heating & cooling systems deliver the lowest total-cost-of-ownership and energy savings, create deep resiliency and energy reliability in the era of climate change, and reduce building emissions and foster healthy communities. Darcy systems are ideal for commercial & industrial, multifamily residential, and thermal energy network customers in urban, suburban and rural settings alike.

Doral Renewables is a Philadelphia-based developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy assets throughout the United States. Doral’s solar and storage development portfolio comprises over 20 GW, which includes nearly 450 MW currently in operation and close to 1,500 MW under construction. Doral Renewables operates in 16 states and across five electricity markets. With a strong focus on community engagement, we aim to integrate agrivoltaics practices throughout our pipeline, creating additional opportunities for farming communities. Doral’s team of global partners includes the Doral Group, Migdal Group, APG.

Renewing Members

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Varnum’s long-standing energy practice encompasses significant experience in conventional, alternative and renewable energy sources. It has been involved in energy legal issues for more than 35 years. Varnum helped organize the Energy Michigan trade association and are a founding member of the Michigan Renewable Energy Consortium. Varnum’s energy clients include: – Municipally-owned electric utilities – Co-generators and independent power producers – Biomass facilities, including waste-to-energy and wood-fired plants – Alternative energy projects, including wind farms, biomass, waste-to-energy, landfill gas, hydroelectric, and biodigesters – Oil & gas producers and transporters – Nuclear power plants – Trade associations – Investors and lenders – Customers and end-users – Manufacturers of energy-producing parts and equipment Varnum’s project work includes utility scale cogeneration and exempt wholesale generators in excess of 1000 MW; alternative energy projects from 0.5 MW to 65 MW; and natural gas pipelines, production and utility scale storage facilities. Varnum has both the 40,000 foot perspective and the detailed knowledge of this highly-regulated industry to help you meet its clients energy goals in the new energy marketplace.

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Michigan Energy News

• Michigan Public Service Commission has launched a new affordability webpage detailing its actions in recent years to control energy costs. (MPSC)
• Michigan to spend $7.5 million to explore if geologic hydrogen exists in large amounts underground. (Michigan Public)
• DTE launches Future Leaders of Energy Efficiency Training program for high school students and graduates. (WDIV)
• Consumers Energy has invested over $90M in Michigan reliability projects. (9and10 News)
• Generations of women are pushing for new approaches to pollution in Detroit. (19th News)
• Agrovoltaics could serve as a rural economic engine in Michigan (Michigan State University)

National Energy News

• Sales of electric cars surged in the second quarter of this year. (IEA)
• Global electric vehicles sales are surging in the wake of the U.S. war with Iran. (New York Times)
• New Mexico’s electricity supply flipped to renewables in five years. (Yale Climate Connections)
• Illinois residents get more options for virtual power plants. (Inside Climate News)
• The AI data center boom has also accelerated investment in solid-state power transformers. (Ars Technica)
• The renewable energy industry has begun to spend more on U.S. elections. (Rolling Stone)
• PG&E has announced the addition of electric vehicle supply equipment to its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) pilot program. (PV Magazine)
• The Center for Rural Affairs releases a guide for landowners to lease for solar, wind, and battery projects. (Center for Rural Affairs)

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Events

• September 9-10: RE+ Midwest— RE+ Midwest brings together leading clean energy businesses, utilities, professionals, and policymakers for an exclusive two-day event designed to empower you to meet the energy transition head on. This year’s education programming has expanded to include in-depth sessions surrounding siting, land use, and community energy in addition to state energy briefings and panels discussing relevant market trends in the region. From rustbelt to greenbelt, clean energy is a force moving forward, and the Midwest is no exception. Register here.
• 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.

RE+ Midwest brings together leading clean energy businesses, utilities, professionals, and policymakers for an exclusive two-day event designed to empower you to meet the energy transition head on. This year’s education programming has expanded to include in-depth sessions surrounding siting, land use, and community energy in addition to state energy briefings and panels discussing relevant market trends in the region. From rustbelt to greenbelt, clean energy is a force moving forward, and the Midwest is no exception. 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

• *NEW* 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.