Michigan

ENN

The Midwest lost clean energy jobs in 2020, but there were signs of hope, new report says

Clean energy jobs in the region declined by about 9% last year amid pandemic-driven economic turbulence, but electric vehicles were a bright spot, adding jobs in states including Minnesota and Michigan.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 August 2021
ENN

Michigan activists say struggling utility customers need federal bailout

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib planned to introduce federal legislation Thursday that would offer utilities forgivable, low-interest loans in exchange for eliminating customer debt and agreeing to suspend service disconnections.

By Tom Perkins . 5 August 2021
ENN

Is it community solar if the utility — not community — owns the panels?

Michigan’s DTE Energy is the latest large utility accused of stretching the definition of “community solar” with a program in which customers get power from a utility-owned solar installation.

By Tom Perkins . 29 June 2021
ENN

Michigan Line 5 opponents serve ‘eviction notice’ at Enbridge pumping station

On the day after a state deadline for Enbridge to shut down its Line 5 pipeline in Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac, hundreds of tribal and environmental activists served an “eviction notice” to the Canadian energy company at its McGulpin Point pumping station.

By Patrick Shea . 14 May 2021
ENN

Michigan utilities should prioritize public health inequities in retirement plans, regulator says

The Michigan Public Service Commission is seeking input on how it can ensure utilities incorporate environmental justice as they transition to clean energy.

By Nina Ignaczak . 12 May 2021
ENN

Michigan groups dispute claim that 100% renewable grid would be too expensive

A consultant’s presentation to the newly convened Michigan Council on Climate Solutions suggested the state achieve net-zero emissions with as little as 63% renewable energy, relying on carbon capture for much of the rest.

By Tom Perkins . 6 May 2021
ENN

Michigan’s energy activists start to see a decade of work pay off in Highland Park

Soulardarity is increasingly finding a seat at the table in official conversations about Highland Park’s energy future — a contrast with its early days when city leaders largely dismissed them as noisemakers.

By Tom Perkins . 4 May 2021
ENN

Michigan lawmakers propose $250 million fund to subsidize natural gas

The state’s House Appropriations Committee has included the funding as part of a budget bill. Utilities could seek reimbursement for natural gas projects in “underserved or unserved” areas of the state such as the Upper Peninsula.

By Tom Perkins . 30 April 2021
ENN

Utility grant poses potential conflict for Michigan ratepayer board appointee

Utility watchdogs and ethics experts said a utility foundation’s donation last year to a Highland Park church creates the appearance of a conflict of interest for a pastor recently named to a utility consumer protection board.

By Tom Perkins . 20 April 2021
ENN

Michigan solar supporters make new push to eliminate rooftop solar caps

A group of Michigan lawmakers is trying again to get rid of a 1% cap limiting distributed energy in investor-owned utility territories, and they’re hopeful that new Republican leadership may give it a path through the legislature.

By Tom Perkins . 12 April 2021