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:

New Op-Ed on Energy Independence 
by Sophia Schuster

In a guest commentary for Bridge Michigan, Michigan EIBC Policy Principal Sophia Schuster argues that while current global conflicts are putting a spotlight on the volatility of oil and gasoline prices, Michigan leaders can still shape a more stable and affordable transportation future. The op-ed highlights how investments in electric vehicles, public transit, and efficient infrastructure can reduce dependence on oil, protect consumers from price shock, and strengthen long-term energy security.

“We can’t control global oil prices, but we can control how dependent we are on them,” says Schuster.

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Michigan EIBC Conference Photos

Thank you to those who joined us last week for our 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference and making it our best conference to date!

If you have feedback you would like to share, please send it to: mieibc@mieibc.org. Enjoy the photos from both our welcome reception and conference on behalf of Doug Coombe Photography.

Lastly, *SAVE THE DATE* for our 15th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference on April 15, 2027 in East Lansing, MI! 

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New Members

Click logos to learn more

Trajectory brings communities, organizations, and landowners together to develop quality solar projects that contribute to local economic growth and a sustainable future.

Madigan is a Michigan-based consulting firm specializing in policy and program advising, project development, and fundraising for clean energy and climate projects.

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Michigan Energy News

• Consumers Energy plans to sell 13 hydroelectric dams in Michigan, citing aging infrastructure, high maintenance costs, and shifting energy priorities. (E&E News) 
• Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel challenged millions in coal plant costs proposed by utilities, arguing customers should not bear the financial burden of uneconomic fossil fuel investments. (Planet Detroit) 
• Michigan House Republicans voted to repeal the state’s 100% clean energy law, though the legislation is unlikely to advance in the Democratic-controlled Senate. (Bridge Michigan) 
• Michigan House Republicans introduced a package of bills aimed at limiting rising utility costs, including measures focused on energy affordability and oversight of rate increases. (Michigan House Republicans) 

National Energy News

• Utilities warned that rapid data center growth could increase electricity costs for consumers, with regulators facing pressure to ensure large-load customers help fund grid expansion. (Utility Dive) 
• A new survey of more than 150 companies found consumer packaged goods firms are increasingly prioritizing agricultural emissions reductions as part of broader corporate climate goals. (Food Dive) 
• Climate tech investors are shifting focus toward early-stage startups, betting on emerging clean energy and industrial decarbonization technologies despite a broader slowdown in venture funding. (Heatmap News) 
• A new podcast episode explores how ongoing political and legal battles over climate policy are creating uncertainty for clean energy investment, regulation, and long-term planning in the U.S. (Shift Key with Robinson Meyer) 

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Events

• May 15: Workers Gala — The Workforce Development Institute’s Workers Gala will celebrate workers and labor allies, and raise funds for apprenticeship readiness programs across Michigan. Get tickets
• May 27-28: IES Energy Symposium 2026 — Join the University of Michigan’s Institute for Energy Solutions to discuss opportunities in electricity grid technology and computation, biotechnology for energy feedstocks, critical minerals, geothermal systems, data centers, behavioral challenges in energy, and more. More details will be added to the symposium website as they become available. Registration is free but limited due to the size of the event space.
• May 28: Michigan EIBC Legislative Reception — Join Michigan EIBC for a legislative reception following the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. See event details here. No registration necessary.
• June 10: Institute for Energy Innovation Energy 101 — Come learn about how advanced energy and mobility technologies stem the tide of rising energy bills while improving energy resiliency and reliability. For Michigan EIBC members and legislators/staff only, please email mieibc@mieibc.org for more information.
• *NEW* June 1-4: Michigan EIBC will be exhibiting at CLEANPOWER in Houston, Texas — Come visit Brianna, Justin, and Abby at booth 1521!

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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.

• 5 Lakes Energy Communications Manager (Apply by May 15)
• Elevate Senior Project Consultant, Community Consulting
• Elevate Construction Project Manager, National Strategic Engagement Team (MI)
• Elevate Senior Technical Lead, National Strategic Engagement Team (WI)

Opportunities

• MI Healthy Climate Challenge #4 on industrial decarbonization (Letters of intent due May 19)
• Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility released an invitation to bid for up to $2 million in solar PV modules for residential and commercial projects planned for 2027 and 202, with bids due May 27
• Michigan Public Service Commission request for proposals for the administration of about $93 million in funding to assist income-eligible households reduce energy insecurity (Grant proposals due June 12, 2026 at 3 PM). 
• 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

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
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources best practices for solar 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 and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 28.
• 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.