Displaying items by tag: energy
Statewide building code update an opportunity to tackle efficiency, climate change
Michigan’s statewide building codes are set for an update this year. While there could be some new energy efficiency measures added, the codes are far behind where they should be to address climate change, according to some local design firms and environmental advocates.
Enbridge tells state it has no intention of shutting down the Line 5 pipeline
Enbridge Inc. plans to continue operating Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac until a tunnel is completed to house the twin oil and natural gas liquids pipelines, a company official said in a letter Tuesday to the Whitmer administration.
Regulators approve 3-year electric commercial fleet program in Consumers Energy case
A Michigan Public Service Commission order in a sweeping Consumers Energy rate case last month includes a three-year pilot program to study the roll-out of electrified commercial fleet vehicles.
Thelen to lead The Right Place amid economic development ‘inflection point’
GRAND RAPIDS — Randy Thelen describes the COVID-19 pandemic as an “inflection point” that can shift the course of economic development in West Michigan.
Whitmer appoints engineering, energy storage expert to Michigan Public Service Commission
An electric grid engineering and energy storage expert will fill a new vacancy on the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Clean energy, Line 5, electric choice on Michigan’s energy docket in 2021
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order in late September creating a long-term climate change plan calling for the state to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Michigan utility CEO takes helm amid major energy transition
Like many utilities, Consumers Energy is at the beginning of a decades-long transition that will fundamentally change the way electricity is generated. Utilities are gradually replacing large, centralized coal plants with more distributed resources like wind and solar along with battery storage. Consumers announced in February a target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Its broader long-term Clean Energy Plan was announced in 2019 under former CEO Patti Poppe, who this month started a new job leading California’s largest utility, PG&E. The reins have been passed to new President and CEO Garrick Rochow, who’s been with the Jackson-based utility for 16 years, most recently as senior vice president of operations.
State grants to fund 18 more fast-charging electric vehicle stations
State officials have announced a second round of grant funding totaling nearly $450,000 to support 18 new electric vehicle fast-charging stations along a coordinated network across Michigan.
Whitmer preparing to fill upcoming vacancy on energy regulatory board
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is preparing to appoint her third member to the Michigan Public Service Commission in less than two years as another vacancy is expected by the end of the month.
Consumers Energy agrees to expand rooftop solar program
JACKSON — Consumers Energy has agreed to expand a solar energy program that advocates say is crucial to continue the sector’s growth in Michigan.