CLEAN ENERGY

The city of Ann Arbor's community solar program has hit a milestone.

Consumers Energy announced today its agreements to add 300 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power 150,000 homes, from two Michigan solar projects being developed in Genesee and Hillsdale counties.

Share your thoughts with the city about creating a Sustainable Energy Utility.

Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm will pay a visit to Michigan this week, where she served as governor for years, to “support American manufacturing” and promote clean energy initiatives and legislation.

A draft of a state plan says Michigan will build clean energy infrastructure and invest in green programs over the next 30 years with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 to confront climate change.

WCC’s enrollment in the program will begin in 2023 and increase annually until 2029 when all of its electric power needs will be sourced through clean energy.

Gretchen Whitmer has set a goal of economic decarbonization by the year 2050 to mitigate impacts of climate change and to create clean energy jobs. On Wednesday, Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-182 and Executive Directive 2020-10 to create the MI Healthy Climate Plan. Executive Directive 2020-10 formally sets the goal of economic decarbonization in Michigan by 2050. To apply for appointment to the Council on Climate Solutions, please visit www.michigan.gov/appoinments and fill out the application. Select “Council for Climate Solutions” from the drop-down menu under the Appointment Information section of the application.

DETROIT DTE Energy announced Thursday that electric rates will remain unchanged until 2022 amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MSPC) approved a regulatory plan on Thursday that will maintain current electric rates for DTE customers. These approved plans will enable DTE to meet our commitment to clean, affordable renewable energy while, at the same time, keeping rates stable for our customers.The news comes after the MSPC previously approved a $188.3 million rate increase for DTE -- a 4.7 percent rate increase for DTE customers -- in early May. DTE is Michigans largest renewable energy producer and, when these projects are complete, the company will generate enough clean energy to power 620,000 homes.Officials say the company will invest an addition $2 billion in renewable energy assets over the next four years. Consumers Energy also requested a rate increase of $244 million just ahead of the pandemic in February, which would result in a 14 percent increase for customers.

DTE Energy says it wants to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.