Clean energy advocates face off against big utility companies, urge Michigan lawmakers to pass community solar bills

More than 30 clean energy advocacy organizations are calling on Democratic state lawmakers to take up legislation that would expand access to solar energy in Michigan.

LANSING—Activists from more than 30 different clean energy groups gathered at the state Capitol this week to urge lawmakers to pass four bills that could help Michiganders ditch their electricity bills and save cash through their own community-based solar energy projects.

The legislation—House Bills 4464 and 4465, as well as Senate Bills 152 and 153—has been dubbed the “Power for All” plan. It aims to create a new statewide utility credit system where Michiganders can set up their own community-based solar energy arrays, and then receive a steep discount on their electricity bill for any power that those local solar projects produce.

The bills were introduced last spring and have since been referred to committees. And with only a few more weeks left of this year’s legislative session, clean energy groups want Democratic lawmakers to advance the legislation to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk by the end of the month.

“This is a pivotal moment to make our voices heard and ensure Michigan stays on the path to a clean energy future,” Patty O’Keefe, regional director for Vote Solar, said in a statement. “We need energy solutions that will benefit everyone and community solar is the way to go.”

Here’s the Deal:

Recent power outages and rising costs have exacerbated the need for alternative (and renewable) forms of energy to help supplement Michigan’s electric grid, supporters say.

If passed and signed into law, the bills would allow homeowners, small businesses owners, school district officials, and church leaders to construct and share a solar facility with their friends or neighbors—which could ultimately save local communities cash on electricity.

The bills could also provide a boost to solar installation and manufacturing companies across the state. And at least 30% of the energy produced under the new community solar programs would reportedly go specifically to low-income households and service organizations.

Clean energy advocates say the legislation would ultimately work to expand access to affordable and renewable energy statewide—particularly for renters, those in shared housing, and other Michiganders whose housing will not support individual rooftop solar arrays.

Rachel Edwards, the manager of Polar Bear Sustainable Energy, also said the bills will enable Michiganders—and not corporate utilities—to drive the state’s transition to clean energy.

“This is a chance to support job creation, stimulate economic growth, and build a sustainable future for Michigan from the ground up,” Edwards said in a statement in support of the bills. 

Still, big utility companies (like DTE and Consumers Energy) have reportedly opposed the bills, largely because they profit from keeping their consumers reliant on centralized power systems.

If the legislation passes, Michigan would join 22 other states (and Washington DC) in allowing community solar projects. The bills could also enable more Michiganders to access billions of dollars in federal clean energy incentives that are available through the Inflation Reduction Act.

“We urge Speaker Joe Tate to discharge the community solar bills directly to the House floor or for Energy Committee Chair Helena Scott to schedule another committee meeting where these bills can be brought to a vote,” O’Keefe said in a statement this week. “This moment is too important to let Michigan miss out on advancing equitable clean energy access.”

READ MORE: Federal rebate to save Michigan township millions on ‘sexy’ solar project

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