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February 20, 2026

Newsletter: Michigan EIBC testifies on VPPs, CFCI updates, 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:

    Michigan EIBC Testifies on Virtual Power Plants

    Source: Michigan Senate TV

    On Thursday, Michigan EIBC Policy Director Justin Carpenter testified before the Senate Energy and Environment Committee on legislation (Senate Bills 731 and 732) that would enable the use of virtual power plants (VPPs) and save Michiganders money. VPPs coordinate clean energy resources that already exist in communities—like batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats—so that participating residents can provide electricity back to the grid or reduce their usage during times of high demand in exchange for bill credits. 

    As Carpenter told senators, “Using already existing resources means there is less need to build additional large-scale generation and storage infrastructure; and the near-instantaneous response time of a VPP makes them more effective than costly peaking plants.”

    Read more

    Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure Program Updates

    Michigan EIBC has been working closely with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) on the rollout of its Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure (CFCI) grant program, aimed to expand EV charging access to multi-family housing, public, and fleet applications. We’re excited to announce two updates:

    1. The public EV charging request for proposal (RFP) is officially open! There is currently $10 million allocated to this tranche of funding, and project awards can be applied to Level 2 and DC fast charging stations.
    2. The RFP for the fleet tranche of funding is expected to open up in late 2026. In preparation, Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan collaborated on developing a new Fleet Hub to serve as a resource for fleet operators interested in transitioning their fleet vehicle to a clean fuel alternative. The hub features case studies, articles, information about available grants, and technical assistance to help fleet operators start their journey.  

    To learn more, please reach out to Sophia.

    Email Sophia

    MPSC Approves DTE Electric Rate Increase

    The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a rate increase of $242.4 million for DTE electric this week, down from the $560 million DTE had requested. Residential rates are expected to increase approximately 4.1%. The Commission also approved DTE’s electric vehicle make-ready infrastructure spending, but required DTE to track and report costs. Michigan EIBC, IEI, and Advanced Energy United’s testimony in support of the EV program helped ensure continued investment in charging infrastructure. The new rates go into effect March 5.

    Read the order

    Michigan EIBC 14th Annual Conference

    Join Michigan EIBC on May 6 for our 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing, MI! 

    Our most popular event of the year, the annual conference brings together leaders in Michigan’s advanced energy industry, utility executives, policymakers, regulators, and others  for an opportunity to network, learn about innovations in advanced energy, and get an overview on the latest policy developments. Our conference includes: main-stage panels, several break-out panels with dozens of expert panelists, presentations from energy experts, a pre-and post-reception, and plenty of time for networking. 

    THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!

    Please reach out to Brianna <brianna@mieibc.org> to sponsor.

    Register now

    New Members

    Click logos to learn more

    Sonnen is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of VPP-based energy storage systems and a pioneer of clean, decentralized and networked energy technologies.

    Renewing Members

    Advanced Battery Concepts Logo: Better Batteries, Better World
    Barton Malow Logo
    Form Energy Logo
    Homeland Solar Logo

    Michigan Energy News

    • The Trump administration extended the order keeping the Campbell coal plant open past its retirement. The federal order has already cost Consumers $135 million. (Freep)
    • DTE increases its 5-year investment plan by 20% to serve data centers and make reliability investments. (Utility Dive)
    • Gov. Whitmer’s budget does not request any new funding for EVs to electrify the state fleet or charging stations for the first time in five years. (Detroit News)
    • Michigan officials are considering a 870-acre, $100 million solar farm in southwest Ingham County. (Lansing State Journal)
    • Rep. Debbie Dingell said the Trump administration’s canceling of clean energy investments is raising energy costs for Michiganders. (Michigan Public)

    National Energy News

    • Legislators in 24 states are considering bills to allow small, plug-in solar power systems at residential homes. (NYT)
    • The Trump administration proposed new restrictions requiring EV charges to be made of 100% domestic materials. Critics warn this could slow the buildout of a EV charging network. (Utility Dive)
    • Rolling back the 2009 endangerment finding will raise home energy costs and worsen health effects from pollution. (Bridge)

    Events

    • March 3: Michigan EIBC Public Convening: Clean, Safe, and Affordable Homes — learn about IEI’s new roadmap, “Clean, Safe, and Affordable: A Policy Roadmap for Efficient and All-Electric Homes in Michigan,” and join us for a tour from Habitat for Humanity of Kent County of an all-electric home. Register
    • *NEW* April 17: Michigan Model for Siting Renewable Energy: Policy, Implementation, and Impacts Symposium — The symposium hosted by the University of Michigan will have a morning session open to the public and an afternoon session inviting a select group of stakeholders. Complete the interest form to join the afternoon session.
    • April 21: 2026 MI Healthy Climate Conference —This year’s conference is focused on “Advancing Climate Action Together. Register by April 13
    • May 6: Michigan EIBC Annual Conference — Our conference includes: main-stage panels, several break-out panels with dozens of expert panelists, presentations from energy experts, a pre-and post-reception, and plenty of time for networking. Register

    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. 

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