October 2026
DTE & Consumers Energy File Integrated Resource Plans
DTE Energy’s new Integrated Resource Plan includes 15 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, 4.5 GW of energy storage, expanding the Fermi 2 nuclear plant, while still planning to retire coal generation by 2032. DTE emphasizes replacing aging coal plants and meeting growing demand, but its plans to serve 2.4 GW of data center load are drawing scrutiny over how much additional generation those customers require.
Consumers Energy proposes more than 19 GW of solar, wind, and battery storage additions by 2040, along with purchases of power from outside suppliers. Its demand forecast includes approximately 1.5 GW of signed agreements with data centers and other large-load customers.
Both utilities will face pushback over their plans, which combined, would add 3.5 GW of new natural gas generation. DTE proposes 2.1 GW of combined-cycle generation designed to operate regularly and provide dependable power. Consumers plans 1.4 GW of fast-starting peaking generation at existing power plant sites to replace aging resources and supply electricity during periods of high demand.
The Michigan Public Service Commission will face pressure to distinguish replacement needs from investments driven by new large loads and ensure existing customers do not subsidize those additions. The reviews will also test whether the utilities have credible pathways to Michigan’s requirements of 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2040 without seeking compliance extensions or other statutory off-ramps.
MICEF Applauds Restored Solar Grant
We applaud the reinstatement of a federal Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant allowing eighth-generation Michigan farmer Kyle de Beausset and his family to complete a planned $120,000 solar project. Restoring the funding honors a commitment the farm relied on and supports an investment that can lower operating costs. MICEF was present at a Senate Energy Committee meeting earlier this year when de Beausset explained this unwarranted disruption to his business plans.
REAP helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency, reducing operating costs and exposure to fluctuating energy prices. Efficiency improvements can ease demand on rural electric systems, while onsite generation paired with storage and appropriate controls can help keep essential operations running during outages.
MICEF Co-hosting Upcoming Solar Webinar
On Thursday, October 15 at noon, MICEF is co-hosting a Solar Webinar with Groundwork Center to discuss what solar energy projects actually look like within a community. The panel will consist of residents within townships who have these projects in their backyard. From landowners living next to panels, planning commissioners who have dealt with the siting process, to sheep farmers whose business benefits from letting their sheep graze the land within a project, there will be fruitful discussions and insight from those who have firsthand experience living alongside renewable energy projects. You can register to be a part of this Zoom-based event using this link HERE
Sustainable Fuel Conference
Early this month, the MICEF team attended the Great Lakes Sustainable Fuels Symposium. There were several panels with industry and educational experts such as MSU, Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Port Authority. All of them expressing a desire to expand markets and uses for Michigan farmers growing corn for ethanol and sustainable fuel for ships and planes.
Several members of Michigan Corn and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan were also in attendance in support, as well as State Rep. Jerry Neyer, who has introduced legislation to help make this concept a reality. Attendees agreed that solutions to grow these sustainable fuel opportunities would include upgrading port infrastructure, greater opportunities for carbon capture and sequestration, and making the fuel competitive domestically. MICEF is committed to supporting Michigan farmers as they diversify their income, as we help build a diversified energy portfolio within our state.
Coldwater Ceremony
Officials from Coldwater and Ovid Townships in Branch County were in attendance for a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Apex Clean Energy at its new battery storage project. The event included an official presentation of their first tax payments for their existing solar project of $645,000 for Ovid and $365,000 for Coldwater respectively. Yes, it is true, revenue from renewable energy is real and can make substantial impacts on the needs small townships face and services they seek to provide to their residents.
It’s another example of the meaningful impact renewable energy projects have on the local communities that host them. MICEF and MI Land & Liberty were active early on, supporting efforts to educate the Coldwater and Ovid communities, while being a resource for the townships to help them make the best educated decisions for their residents.
