Wind Turbine Under Construction
Have you seen a wind turbine being built?
Business Support for CHP, Finance Panel Re-Play
The POWER Act continues to build momentum as the business community rallies around an increase in the ITC for combined heat & power (CHP). Check out the latest blog post from Pew here, which highlights strong support from a range of businesses interested in clean, efficient on-site electricity generation. Would you like to learn more…
Policy Panel from 2015 Michigan CHP Conference (Audio)
In honor of yesterday’s introduction of The POWER Act in Congress, we are pleased to be able to re-play for you the Policy Panel discussion from the 2015 Michigan CHP Conference held in Lansing, Michigan on April 30, 2015: Panelists included: Tim Lundgren, Varnum LLP Jessica Frohman Lubetsky, Pew Charitable Trusts Melanie McCoy, Sebewaing…
The POWER Act Supporting CHP Introduced in Congress
Today, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representatives Tom Reed (R-23rd NY) and Earl Blumenauer (D-3rd OR) introduced the Senate and House versions of The Power Resiliency and Efficiency (POWER) Act, which would improve the federal tax incentive for industrial energy efficiency applications, such as combined heat & power (CHP). Summary of the POWER…
REC News – New MIRECS Category for Small Systems
For those interested in managing their own renewable energy credits (RECs) in MIRECS, either now or after the 5 Lakes program ceases operation at the end of 2015, we are happy to report that the MIRECS Fee Schedule now includes a category for “nano” sized projects (<10kw in size) for which the initial MIRECS registration fee is…
Stakeholders Call for More Energy-Efficient Trucks
Check it out! New post from the Pew Charitable Trusts on fuel efficiency for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. This could have important implications for our air quality, climate change, and public health issues such as asthma and autism in children. Let me know if you are interested in engaging on this critical issue! Posted by…
Consumers Energy gets OK to add Michigan’s first community solar program
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150515/NEWS/150519887/consumers-energy-gets-ok-to-add-michigans-first-community-solar By JAY GREENE Consumers Energy Co. has received conditional approval to begin a 10 megawatt community solar program —Michigan’s first — by the state Public Service Commission. The commission’s approval of Consumers’ Solar Gardens program gives individual and business electric customers the opportunity to purchase subscriptions in 0.5 kilowatts blocks, which could cost $28 to…
Energy analyst: MI electricity debate needs re-focusing
In the coming year, nine of Michigan’s coal-fired power plants are scheduled to retire. That has environmentalists and renewable energy advocates cheering. And the state’s two major utilities, Consumer’s Energy and DTE, say they are ready to invest in a more sustainable energy future. But first, the companies say, Michigan has to return to a…
Lessons in Sustainable Wine from Washington and Oregon
As part of the Michigan Sustainable Wine Feasibility Study, a group from Michigan’s wine industry, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and 5 Lakes Energy spent last week meeting with wine industry members in Oregon and Washington who have been actively involved in sustainability initiatives. We met with members, managers, and participants of…
Sustainability Issues and Solutions for the Michigan Wine Industry
http://5lakesenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Sustainability-Issues-and-Solutions-f.-.-.-Friday-April-17-2015-2.35.21-PM.mp4