Displaying items by tag: energy
Report: Uneconomic coal plant management costs ratepayers millions
Michigan’s two largest utilities have operated coal plants uneconomically in recent years, costing customers tens of millions of dollars when cheaper and cleaner resources are available, according to a recent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Utilities extend shut-off protections, bill assistance through June 12
Utilities regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission will extend shutoff protections and flexible payment options for vulnerable customers through June 12, state officials announced today.
DTE, Consumers shareholders reject calls for more political spending disclosures
Shareholders of Michigan’s two major investor-owned utilities have recently rejected calls for more transparency on the companies’ contributions to tax-exempt nonprofit advocacy groups.
Lakeshore clean energy firm secures $250K accelerator grant
HOLLAND — Jolt Energy Storage Technologies LLC has received $250,000 to further advance its utility-scale energy storage solutions.
Report: Michigan ranks third for COVID-19 clean energy job losses
Michigan lost nearly one-quarter of its clean energy workforce because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the 30,151 job losses since the outbreak began ranks the state third nationally, according to a new report.
Advanced energy group releases policies to help recover from job losses
A trade group for advanced energy companies has released a series of policy recommendations for state officials to resolve short-term job losses and allow the industry to be a “pillar of the economic recovery to come.”
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS
Copemish solar energy installer gets back on rooftops
COPEMISH — On the afternoon of May 4, three days before an executive order by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allowed construction to resume statewide, Allan O’Shea was “ready to go to the party.”
Renewable energy, transmission build-out needed in Lower Peninsula as plants close
Michigan needs a swift build-out of renewable energy and, in the longer term, more transmission projects to account for the energy shortfall that will grow as more coal and nuclear plants are retired.
Michigan solar installers return to work under new guidelines
Michigan solar energy installers have been gearing up over the past week to return to work today following an executive order by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that opens construction, real estate and some manufacturing sectors.
COVID-19 wipes out clean energy job gains as regulators explore effect on utilities
The coronavirus has wiped out recent statewide clean energy job gains as Michigan companies take a patchwork approach to continuing work during the pandemic.
WMU brewing program adds business focus, grapples with effects of climate change, COVID-19
Steve Bertman Professor of Environment and Sustainability, Western Michigan University spoke with MiBiz recently about the climate crisis and threats to the brewing supply chain, and why it’s appropriate to discuss climate alongside COVID-19.
MPSC: Consumers Energy driving wave of solar development in Michigan
A wave of independently owned solar projects planned in Michigan is driven largely by contracts with Consumers Energy, which has long-term plans to significantly boost its solar portfolio.
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS
Report: Michigan loses nearly 5,500 clean energy jobs from COVID-19, with more coming
Nearly 5,500 Michigan workers in clean energy filed jobless claims last month while thousands more are expected as the coronavirus-related economic downturn continues to spread.
Court challenges to follow Trump administration’s vehicle fuel economy rollback
Nearly two years after announcing its initial plan, the Trump administration issued a final rule on March 31 that rolls back Obama-era automobile fuel economy standards and requires modest fuel efficiency increases in forthcoming internal combustion models.
Four Michigan cities are national leaders in energy efficiency
Four Michigan small cities rank among the top 10 of their peers nationally for energy efficiency based on the number of buildings saving electricity, costs and greenhouse gas emissions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced this week.
Kent County burns recyclables for electricity as coronavirus affects waste hauling
GRAND RAPIDS — Kent County officials announced last week that its recycling processing facility would close to protect workers from potential exposure to and spreading of the coronavirus.
COVID-19 slows progress on clean energy, electric vehicles
Wind and solar energy companies wait in limbo and electric vehicle advocates expect a hit much like the rest of the automotive sector as the coronavirus causes uncertainty across the clean energy industry.
Consumers Energy continues construction while DTE halts plans
Michigan’s two major investor-owned utilities are taking divergent paths when it comes to building new energy projects as the state escalates actions to contain the coronavirus.
Former Muskegon coal plant site preps for next phase under new owners
Developers are finalizing the decommissioning of the former B.C. Cobb coal plant in Muskegon as the 115-acre site assumes new ownership and a sole focus as a port terminal facility.
Utilities oppose bipartisan solar bills backed by installers, clean energy groups
Michigan’s two major investor-owned utilities remain opposed to a series of bills that supporters say are needed to grow the state’s nascent solar industry.
Enviro groups say state grants for clean diesel, propane school buses stalls EV market
State officials announced more than $8.7 million in grants this week for Michigan school districts to purchase buses powered by clean diesel and propane, but environmental groups say the money would have been better spent on electric models.
Whitmer targets mobility in recent orders, agreements
Over the past two weeks, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and major automakers have continued the state’s mobility shift to emphasize electric and autonomous vehicles.
Utility regulators approve energy efficiency programs for low-income customers
The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved plans to expand energy efficiency programs for low-income customers of the state’s two major utilities.
Environmental groups praise Consumers for new 2040 clean energy target
Consumers Energy has upped the ante on its own long-term clean energy plan, announcing in late February it expects to hit net-zero carbon emissions for its electricity portfolio by 2040 as part of its climate change efforts.
West Michigan energy developer partners with Muskegon Heights on solar projects
MUSKEGON — A West Michigan solar energy developer that has focused on equity and job training in low-income communities will partner with the city of Muskegon Heights to install solar panels on five city-owned properties.
Grand Haven weighs energy options after Sims coal plant closure
GRAND HAVEN — The J.B. Sims power plant in Grand Haven burned its last supply of coal this month, but local officials are still debating plans for the city’s long-term energy portfolio.
Whitmer proposes $10 million for green bank, clean energy revolving fund
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to infuse $5 million into a state green bank and spend another $5 million on a revolving fund for clean energy projects at state facilities.
West Michigan renewable energy projects: wind out, solar in
After plans for a wind energy project north of Grand Rapids fell apart late last year, a separate developer is looking to use hundreds of acres of rural land in Montcalm County for solar.
‘Electrify everything’: Rural cooperatives can help decarbonize the power grid, advocates say
Ric Evans has yet to find the electric stove he wants to install in his rural Northern Michigan home, but everything else inside is powered by electricity, including the water heater and an air source heat pump.
Building off Michigan program, Dingell pushes national ‘green bank’ for clean energy
Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell is leading an effort that would leverage $35 billion in federal funds over six years to stimulate up to $1 trillion in private spending to address climate change.