Displaying items by tag: energy
Michigan leads states in energy-sector job growth, federal report finds
Michigan added more energy-sector jobs than any other state in 2021, boosted primarily by the automotive industry and growing attention to hybrid and electric vehicle models.
Regulators approve Consumers Energy’s ‘historic’ plan to shutter West Mich. coal plant in 2025, speed up energy storage
The 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
Two 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
A 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
HOLLAND — 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.
Energy management consultant discusses SEC climate disclosure proposal
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.
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Increasing home energy efficiency funding confronts lack of available contractors
Clean 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.
Lakeshore energy reinvention: From Ludington to Covert, the West Michigan lakeshore is undergoing a swift energy transition
CMS Energy, Spectrum Health partnering on solar array to help power GR rehabilitation facility
GRAND 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.
MiBiz on WOOD-TV8: Palisades nuclear plant now in limbo
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
Michigan’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.
Efforts underway to save Palisades nuclear plant from closing
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.
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Palisades owner details upcoming job losses tied to nuclear plant closure
COVERT — 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.
Michigan businesses join call for state climate action plan with 2050 carbon-neutral target
Major 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
KENTWOOD — 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
Michigan is seeking more than $30 million in federal funding to accelerate the cleanup of hundreds of abandoned oil and gas wells across the state.
Longtime Great Lakes Energy employee set to take over as president, CEO
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.
Meijer to offset carbon emissions with Texas solar power contract
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.
MiBiz on WOOD-TV8: Consumers Energy supporting EV charging rollout
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
JACKSON — 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
DETROIT — 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.
Grand Rapids joins national coalition to reduce emissions through building standards
GRAND RAPIDS — The city of Grand Rapids has joined 32 other state and local governments across the country in the National Building Performance Standard Coalition that the Biden administration rolled out on Jan. 22.
New state law seeks to streamline electric transmission projects, though critics worry about competition and costs
Legislation 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
An 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.
State regulators approve special electric rates for Consumers, DTE to lure major automotive projects
Roughly a week after lawmakers passed a $1 billion program to incentivize major advanced automotive projects in Michigan, state energy regulators followed suit today by approving special electricity rates to support such industrial projects.
Transmission operator sees key role in economic development, EV charging
While 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.
Tribal leaders say state’s consultations on Line 5 are lacking
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.
MiBiz on WOOD-TV8: Major utilities propose economic development rates to attract major projects
Major investor-owned utilities Consumers Energy and DTE Energy are seeking expedited approval from state regulators to create new economic development electricity rates aimed at attracting major manufacturing projects.
Whitmer directive sets goals for federal electric vehicle charging funding
Gov. 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
Michigan’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.