Energy
Regulators approve Consumers Energy’s ‘historic’ plan to shutter West Mich. coal plant in 2025, speed up energy storage
Written by Andy BalaskovitzThe Michigan Public Service Commission has approved Consumers Energy’s latest long-term energy plan that calls for eliminating its coal-fired power in 2025 while also speeding up the deployment of energy storage.
Michigan-based biofuel producers receive $8.6M in targeted federal pandemic relief
Written by Andy BalaskovitzTwo Michigan-based biofuel producers have received a total of nearly $8.7 million in federal relief to help recover from unexpected losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advanced energy ‘roadmap’ offers plan to spend federal infrastructure funding
Written by Andy BalaskovitzA statewide advanced energy trade group recently released a “roadmap” for the state to maximize hundreds of millions of dollars in federal infrastructure funding in the coming years.
State, partners launch lakeshore electric vehicle charging network in Holland
Written by MiBiz StaffHOLLAND — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appeared in Holland today to launch a partnership with an electric vehicle manufacturer, a nonprofit and energy companies to build out an electric vehicle charging network in state parks along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
In late March, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a sweeping proposal that would require publicly traded companies to disclose climate change risks that are likely to affect their business, as well as their direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
Increasing home energy efficiency funding confronts lack of available contractors
Written by Kate CarlsonClean energy and housing advocates in Michigan are working to spend down an increasing amount of weatherization funds with a shrinking pool of contractors at their disposal.
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CMS Energy, Spectrum Health partnering on solar array to help power GR rehabilitation facility
Written by Andy BalaskovitzGRAND RAPIDS — CMS Energy and Spectrum Health West Michigan are partnering on a new solar energy project that will help meet the power needs at a planned 80-bed subacute rehabilitation center on the city’s northeast side.
The planned May 31 closure date of the Palisades nuclear power plant in Van Buren County is now in limbo after federal officials last week issued guidance on a new $6 billion program to save operating U.S. nuclear plant.
Consumers, DTE sue contractor over ‘defective work,’ project delays in $500M Ludington pumped storage plant upgrade
Written by Andy BalaskovitzMichigan’s two major electric utilities that jointly own the Ludington Pumped Hydro Storage power plant along Lake Michigan claim the contractor hired for a $500 million upgrade of the facility has “delivered defective work” and is failing to meet contractual deadlines.
COVERT — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state energy regulators now see a path to keep the Palisades Power Plant in Van Buren County open beyond its scheduled May 31 closing date in hopes of preserving hundreds of jobs and a major clean energy resource.
Palisades owner details upcoming job losses tied to nuclear plant closure
Written by Andy BalaskovitzCOVERT — The owner of the Palisades nuclear power plant in Southwest Michigan disclosed last week that 184 jobs will be eliminated soon after the plant permanently closes on May 31.
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Michigan businesses join call for state climate action plan with 2050 carbon-neutral target
Written by Hannah BrockMajor automakers, craft breweries and an outdoor recreation resort are among Michigan companies calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to finalize a statewide climate action plan that includes a carbon neutral target by 2050.
Food producer The GFB to offset Kentwood facility’s power usage with renewables
Written by MiBiz StaffKENTWOOD — Certified B Corp and food producer The GFB: The Gluten Free Bar is now participating in a Consumers Energy program to offset its Kentwood production facility’s electricity usage entirely with renewable energy.
Federal funding could accelerate cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells in Michigan
Written by Andy BalaskovitzMichigan is seeking more than $30 million in federal funding to accelerate the cleanup of hundreds of abandoned oil and gas wells across the state.
BOYNE CITY — Michigan’s largest member-owned electric utility is poised for new leadership as Shaun Lamp prepares to take over as president and CEO of Great Lakes Energy on March 19.
WALKER — Meijer Inc. has signed a 15-year contract to purchase output from a large-scale solar project in Texas under an agreement that will offset the retailer’s carbon emissions.
Michigan EV registrations climb as state prepares millions for charging stations
Written by Andy BalaskovitzMichigan electric vehicle registrations climbed nearly 60 percent over the past year, which comes as the state is preparing to deploy tens of millions of dollars for additional charging infrastructure.
Consumers Energy announced plans today that it will issue 200 rebates over the next two years to help offset the cost for site hosts to install electric vehicle charging stations.
Consumers Energy plans 200 more electric vehicle chargers over next 2 years
Written by Andy BalaskovitzJACKSON — Consumers Energy plans to provide 200 rebates for electric vehicle charging stations in its Lower Peninsula service territory over the next two years.
Growing demand from businesses, residents driving DTE to more renewable energy
Written by Andy BalaskovitzDETROIT — DTE Energy is planning to scale up its voluntary renewable energy program because of growing demand from businesses and residents seeking to offset their electricity usage with clean energy sources.
New state law seeks to streamline electric transmission projects, though critics worry about competition and costs
Written by Andy BalaskovitzLegislation signed into law late last year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer aims to speed up the process for building certain electric transmission lines in Michigan, which a major operator says is crucial in helping to facilitate the clean energy transition.
Pipeline expert testifies that state agency is downplaying Line 5 tunnel explosion risk
Written by Andy BalaskovitzAn oil and gas pipeline expert testifying in a permitting case involving Enbridge’s Line 5 says state energy staffers are downplaying the risk of a potentially catastrophic explosion within a proposed tunnel that would carry oil and propane beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
Transmission operator sees key role in economic development, EV charging
Written by Andy BalaskovitzWhile major utilities often garner headlines as power generators and providers, electric transmission companies are often behind the scenes as the critical infrastructure that moves power to customers.
A little more than a year after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Enbridge to shut down the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, the state retreated on its key lawsuit seeking to close the twin pipelines.
Whitmer directive sets goals for federal electric vehicle charging funding
Written by Andy BalaskovitzGov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive directive setting priorities for millions of dollars Michigan is poised to receive under the federal infrastructure bill for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Consumers, DTE seek special electric rates for large development projects
Written by Andy BalaskovitzMichigan’s two largest investor-owned utilities seek to play a more active role in economic development — particularly in luring advanced manufacturing facilities to the state — with plans to offer new electricity rates for large expansion projects.
Holland, Big Rapids eyed for battery manufacturing developments
By JAYSON BUSSA and ANDY BALASKOVITZAdvanced automotive battery suppliers are considering a pair of West Michigan cities for new or expanded manufacturing facilities, MiBiz has learned.
GR to purchase 12 new diesel, compressed natural gas fleet vehicles with help from $1.4M state grant
Written by MiBiz StaffGRAND RAPIDS — City officials will leverage more than $1.4 million in state grant funding to buy 12 new diesel- and compressed natural gas-powered fleet vehicles as part of a climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Corporate climate change goals fuel growth for Grand Rapids energy consultancy
Written by Andy BalaskovitzGRAND RAPIDS — Increasing corporate concerns over climate change and growing energy management awareness is fueling growth for Foresight Management.
GR-based fuel distributor Crystal Flash makes first acquisition outside of Michigan
Written by MiBiz StaffGRAND RAPIDS — Fuel distributor Crystal Flash Inc. is expanding its service territory in the Midwest following the acquisition of an Illinois-based fuel and propane provider.
The state Legislature has been active in recent weeks on energy bills being championed by West Michigan lawmakers.
Coalition plan would direct $600M in federal funds to clean transportation in Michigan
Written by Andy BalaskovitzA coalition of energy businesses and clean energy advocates is calling for a $600 million investment of federal pandemic relief funding into clean transportation initiatives.
Utilities launch campaign as advocates, lawmakers ramp up community solar pressure
Written by Andy BalaskovitzMichigan’s two largest investor-owned utilities have launched an “education campaign” as clean energy advocates tout the potential economic benefits of community solar energy and as lawmakers consider bills on the topic that the utilities oppose.
Industrial electric customers could choose power supplier under new bill
Written by Andy BalaskovitzA state lawmaker from West Michigan has introduced legislation that would give industrial electric customers an opportunity to select alternative power suppliers in what supporters say is an effort to reduce electric costs and attract investments.
MSU study forecasts economic benefits from expanded community solar development
Written by Andy BalaskovitzEAST LANSING — Expanding community-based solar energy projects that allow utility customers to purchase subscriptions for offsite generation would contribute nearly $1.5 billion to the state’s economy and create thousands of jobs.
Michigan electric cooperative to buy power from large-scale solar project in Cass County
Written by MiBiz StaffA Northern Michigan electric cooperative will buy power from a large-scale solar project being developed in Cass County.
Statewide legislation introduced this month hopes to resolve a years-long dispute between power providers and local governments over the taxable value of wind turbines and how much revenue is directed to local taxing units.
GRAND RAPIDS — Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer says West Michigan can “lead from the front” on renewable energy and battery storage, though he is withholding support for Democrats’ climate and clean energy proposals he believes lack details.
West Michigan startup plans subscription-based home battery, electric vehicle charging system
Written by Andy BalaskovitzGRAND HAVEN — A West Michigan-based startup in the early stages of raising capital wants to lower the cost of and better manage energy storage and electric vehicle charging in homes.
Four new solar projects set to come online next year for Consumers Energy
Written by Andy BalaskovitzConsumers Energy expects to start purchasing power next year from four new solar projects that will add more than 100 megawatts of renewable energy to the utility’s generation mix.
Whitmer’s COVID-19 relief spending plan includes tens of millions of dollars for clean energy
Written by Andy BalaskovitzGov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest plan for spending $2.1 billion in federal COVID-19 relief includes tens of millions of dollars for clean energy initiatives.
Consumers Energy unveils ‘win-win’ solar project on former Cadillac brownfield property
Written by Andy BalaskovitzCADILLAC — Consumers Energy has unveiled a new “brownfield to brightfield” solar project that converted formerly abandoned industrial property into a clean energy power source.
Ann Arbor company leans on automation to maximize lifespan of wind turbines
Written by Andy BalaskovitzANN ARBOR — A Southeast Michigan company that started by inspecting wind turbine components by drone has evolved to provide more complex asset management that’s meant to maximize the output of a growing renewable energy sector.
‘It’s complicated’: Advocates give Consumers Energy’s long-term plan mixed reviews
Written by Andy BalaskovitzEnvironmental and ratepayer advocates are withholding their full-throated support for Consumers Energy’s new long-term energy plan that eliminates coal usage by 2025, citing concerns over potential rate effects and the scale of ongoing fossil fuel reliance.
JACKSON — Michigan’s largest energy company announced today that it plans to phase out its remaining coal-fired power plants by 2025, which would be 15 years earlier than planned, as part of its updated long-term energy plan.
COVERT TOWNSHIP — Local officials in Southwest Michigan got a more than $1.2 million boost last week to advance their efforts to prepare for the impending closure of the Palisades nuclear power plant.
State legislation would expand commercial clean energy financing program
Written by Andy BalaskovitzA financing tool that helps businesses fund clean energy and energy efficiency projects would be expanded to include additional properties and water quality efforts under legislation announced last week.