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February 5, 2026

Newsletter: MPSC sets new transmission guidelines, and more

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  • Newsletter: MPSC sets new transmission guidelines, and more
  • Comments on Transmission Siting
  • Newsletter: AG sues Big Oil, 2025 MI Healthy Climate Report, and more
  • Newsletter: New team member, Annual conference registration, 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:

    MPSC Sets New Guidelines for Public Engagement During Transmission Siting Process

    Last week the Michigan Public Service Commission approved new guidelines to improve public engagement and the siting process for new major electric transmission lines. This came after the approval of two major interstate transmission lines in July, the first in more than 50 years. Parties recognized the need for more defined expectations from the MPSC as the regional grid operator MISO moves forward with its Long Range Transmission Plan that will require the buildout of more lines in the next phase, Tranche 2.1. 

    The Commission’s guidelines include recommendations that a dedicated point of contact is identified for the public, all affected landowners and municipalities within one mile are invited to a public meeting, multiple alternate routes are reviewed with landowners and municipalities, and landowner-submitted route adjustments are considered.

    Michigan EIBC submitted comments on draft guidelines with Advanced Energy United and Clean Grid Alliance in October, and many of our recommendations were adopted. Michigan EIBC is hopeful that this will improve public engagement for future lines to come. The first of the Tranche 2.1 projects is holding open houses and other public engagement opportunities throughout the year.

    Read the final order

    St. Clair County Solar Restrictions Struck Down

    A Michigan Circuit Court judge overturned St. Clair County’s solar energy regulations this week. DTE Energy had sued the county after it passed health code regulations regarding the building of solar energy facilities. Judge Michael West ruled that the regulations were in fact de facto zoning laws and could not go into effect. The county is considering whether to appeal the ruling.

    Read more

    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.

    New Members

    Click logos to learn more

    Consolidated Electrical Contractors is a leading provider of residential, multi-family, and commercial electrical services. 

    Connolly Strategies provides strategic support, policy guidance, convening expertise, and general change-making services to non-profits, government, and philanthropy.

    SWTCH is a North American provider of EV charging infrastructure, network services, and operational support.

    Renewing Members

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    Michigan Energy News

    • Michigan EIBC member GM is reducing costs on its EVs as it works to deliver more affordable vehicles. (Inside EVs)
    • A DuPont subsidiary making EV parts is expanding its Midland facility, adding 22 jobs. (ABC12)
    • Michigan continues to push for 100% clean energy by 2040 even with federal funding shortfalls. (Mining Journal)
    • US pullback on EVs will hurt the US auto industry in the global market. (Huron Daily Tribune)

    National Energy News

    • A Department of Energy appropriations bill with $320 million for wind and solar programs was signed into law. (Utility Dive)
    • Congress passed an appropriations bill for the EPA that fully funds the Energy Star program and includes a directive that the administration cannot reduce the funding. (Utility Dive)
    • A budget bill moving through Congress would reduce National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding by $500 million. (Inside Climate News)
    • President Trump announced a $12 billion initiative to stockpile strategic critical minerals. (NYT)
    • A new bipartisan permitting reform bill, called the FREEDOM Act, would prohibit federal agencies from cancelling fully permitted projects. (Heatmap)

    Events

    Michigan EIBC Members Only
    • Feb. 11: Legislative Networking Reception — Michigan EIBC is holding a members-only reception with legislators and staff in Lansing. Register
    Open to Al
    • Feb. 10: On Site: Detroit — Hosted at NewLab Detroit and designed for manufacturers, come learn about the latest news, regulations, and trends in energy, EHS, and sustainability, and network with other industry experts and professionals. Hear from Foresight’s team of industry experts as well as Corinne Graper with Uplift Agency, Kevin Budelmann with Peopledesign, and Matt Eugster with Varnum Law for an afternoon full of insights, networking, and your questions answered. Register
    • Feb. 13: University of Michigan Green Career Fair — If you are hiring full-time positions or internships in 2026, this is a great way to meet and identify early talent pipelines among some of the best and brightest in Michigan! For questions, contact Sydni Miller (sydnim@umich.edu) in the UM-SEAS Career Services office. Register
    • 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

    If you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send the position and a link to apply to Kaei Li at kaei@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.

    Opportunities

    Resources