Newsletter: Michigan EIBC, Industry Partners File Cross-Appeal Supporting Clean Energy Siting Law

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, the Institute for Energy Innovation, Clean Grid Alliance, and Advanced Energy United filed a cross-appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court in support of the state’s implementation of the Clean Energy and Jobs Act (PA 233). The filing followed an appeal by several local governments challenging a Michigan Court of Appeals decision that upheld key aspects of the Michigan Public Service Commission’s implementation of the law. In the cross-appeal, the organizations argue that the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed the Commission’s definition of a “Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance” and asked the Court to clarify that zoning decisions should involve only local governments with zoning authority.

The organizations stated that PA 233 established a consistent statewide framework for siting and permitting renewable energy and energy storage projects while balancing local review with landowner rights. According to the filing, maintaining a clear and predictable permitting process will help provide certainty for developers, local governments, and landowners as Michigan works to meet growing energy demands. “Michigan EIBC and our partners filed this cross-appeal to continue to fight for the ability for Michiganders to use their land as they wish while stimulating job creation and economic development,” said Michigan EIBC President Dr. Laura Sherman. “We plan to remain engaged in this legal process to ensure that Michigan remains a national leader in the clean energy industry, while protecting property rights and supporting local communities.”


Michigan Public Service Commission Unveils New Tool to Track Utility Reliability

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently launched a new public dashboard that provides data related to interruption of electricity service. The new tool will allow customers and advocates to see how long and frequently outages occur, as well as how long it takes for power to be restored, for DTE and Consumers Energy’s service areas, which make up about 80% of the state’s customers.

While the new dashboard isn’t a golden ticket to fewer and shorter outages, it does represent a step in the right direction towards providing transparency about Michigan’s grid reliability. These insights will give advocates and policymakers more accurate information to pinpoint areas of greatest need.

In addition to advocating for new transmission lines last year, Michigan EIBC recently made our own recommendations about how to bring more accountability for Michigan’s energy providers, including the need to incentivize utility performance that reduces outages across Michigan.


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!


Michigan Energy News

  • Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy and Jobs Act requires 100% renewable electricity by 2040, but the November midterm elections could determine the law’s future.  (Planet Detroit
  • Three years after the passing of the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, local communities are still grappling with their options in implementing it. (Internochen Public Radio
  • Utilities have requested billions in rate hikes, putting relief from energy bills for consumers on hold.  (Michigan Advance
  • A Michigan state judge urges regulators to reject Consumers Energy’s $1 dam sale to Confluence Hydro over safety and liability concerns. (Detroit News
  • Consumers Energy is seeking relief in the Michigan Supreme Court from a state tax scheme that the company says could result in rate increases for its Michigan customers. (The Detroit News)

National Energy News

  • Pennsylvania’s new state budget increases oversight of data center development, adding reporting requirements as electricity demand from AI and cloud computing continues to grow. (Utility Dive)
  • White House convenes utilities and major technology companies to address the growing electricity demands of AI data centers and explore ways to manage rising power costs. (Reuters)
  • Energy markets remain focused on rising electricity demand, AI-driven data center growth, and geopolitical uncertainty, with utilities and energy companies adapting investment strategies in response. (The Wall Street Journal)
  • Utilities across the U.S. are seeking record rate increases as they invest in grid modernization, new generation, and infrastructure upgrades, raising renewed concerns about energy affordability. (Utility Dive)
  • Chesapeake Utilities plans to build a $1.2 billion natural gas pipeline in Florida to support growing energy demand and population growth across the state. (The Energy Year
    California Governor Gavin Newsom unveils $3,500 EV rebate for new EV drivers, filling “void left by Trump.” (Yahoo)
  • Hyundai cuts IONIQ 5 N EV prices by $6,300. (Electrek)
  • Illinois approves Commonwealth Edison’s first virtual power plant program under the state’s clean energy law, expanding the use of distributed energy resources to support grid reliability. (Utility Dive)

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.

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