New Tax Incentives Summary
There is a new summary out of current tax incentives. It is a great one pager. A copy of the summary is included in the link below.
Pure Eco to Exhibit at “Greening of the Heartland” at Cobo
We will be exhibiting at “Greening of the Heartland” beginning this Sunday, May 31 and running through Tuesday, June 2. Our booth number is 502, come by and chat with us. More details of this great expo can be found at the link below. Hope to see you there!!!
MPSC Summer 2009 Energy Appraisal
Check out the news release below. Your electric rates are going up!!!
MPSC Issues Summer 2009 Energy Appraisal May 01, 2009
May 1, 2009
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today released the “Michigan Energy Appraisal: Summer 2009.” The appraisal, published since 1978, reviews the projected prices and availability of energy in Michigan over the summer months.
The demand for energy in Michigan is expected to continue its decline in 2009. These declines are due to the continuing reduction in the level of economic activity in the state and the nation. Should the economy begin to show resumed growth in the later part of 2009, energy demand may begin to pick up, which would serve to offset the degree of the declines shown in these forecasts. Given the anticipated demand levels, no supply issues are anticipated; petroleum and natural gas prices are expected to remain relatively stable. It should be noted that the uncertainty of the economy also translates into a higher level of uncertainty in these projections which are based on the future course of the state’s economy.
Electricity – The availability of electricity over the summer is assured given the anticipated decline in projected sales. Electricity prices could increase depending on two rate cases currently pending action by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Both Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy have requested significant increases in electricity prices. These increases average 8.3 percent across all customer classes, with the largest increase having been requested for the rates charged to residential customers.
Natural Gas – Lower natural gas prices, and lower demand, are also expected to ensure sufficient supply and lower heating costs for the coming winter compared to last year. Total annual natural gas sales in Michigan for 2009 are projected to be 767.1 billion cubic feet (Bcf), a decrease of 0.1 percent over 2008. This is based on normal weather for the remainder of the year. Despite the colder than normal weather during the first quarter of 2009, the lower level of economic activity has served as an offset, holding demand essentially flat.
Petroleum – Increases in surplus world oil production capacity can more than offset most anticipated supply problems, which means gasoline and other petroleum product prices should remain near current levels for the balance of the year. World oil demand is expected to decrease in 2009 by 1.35 million barrels per day (m/b/d) to a total of 85.8 m/b/d. This projection is from the Energy Information Administration’s April 2009 “Short-Term Energy Outlook.” Global oil prices fell precipitously in the last half of 2008, as recessionary effects caused oil demand to fall. The price of crude oil dropped from a high of $137 per barrel in July of 2008 to a low near $36 in December. Currently crude oil prices are approximately $50 per barrel.
Motor Gasoline – For 2009, gasoline consumption is projected to continue its decline, falling an additional 4.1 percent from 2008 levels, which would be the fifth consecutive year of declining demand. Total gasoline use in Michigan is projected to total 4.1 billion gallons for 2009. Gasoline use, based on the 2009 projection, will be down nearly 762 million gallons since 2004, the last year in which gasoline demand increased.
Distillate Fuel Oil – Michigan’s 2009 distillate sales are projected to continue to decline by an additional 7.7 percent to just over 1.1 billion gallons. Diesel fuel remains the prime component of distillate demand, with the majority being used by trucks on highways. The current economic slowdown is the primary cause for the continued decline in demand as fewer good are shipped by trucks and rail.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – This act contains several provisions that deal with the energy sector, including loans and investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy technology. Michigan has seen increased funding for the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program, the State Energy Program, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants program, and Smart Grid investments.
The Michigan Energy Appraisal is prepared every six months. The Energy Appraisal is available on the Commission’s Web site at: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy (http://cis.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy). The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
New Cable Show About Michigan’s Energy Future
Michigan’s Energy Future Today – DELEG’s Newest Cable Show Hits the Airwaves Statewide Keeping Consumers Informed About Michigan’s New Energy Economy
April 14, 2009 - Michigan’s Energy Future Today, a new cable show designed specifically for Michigan residents, will air on cable stations statewide beginning in April, Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) Communications Director Mario L. Morrow announced today. The new program will cover a wide range of topics including renewable energy, green jobs, advanced energy technologies, and energy efficiency.
“This show will be an important vehicle in giving Michigan residents an inside look at how Michigan is transitioning into a leader in emerging energy industries and diversifying into a new energy economy which helps retain and create new jobs for Michigan workers,” said Morrow.
This month’s program features DELEG Director and Michigan’s Chief Energy Officer, Stanley “Skip” Pruss who provides an overview of Michigan’s plans for its energy future, including how DELEG is focusing on the new energy economy. Also featured is DELEG Deputy Director Andy Levin who discusses DELEG’s first-ever Green Today, Jobs Tomorrow Conference that will be held May 11 at the Lansing Center to focus on workforce and economic development for Michigan’s emerging green economy. The show is hosted by Deputy Director Liesl Clark.
Future episodes of the 30-minute show will feature partners who are working to attract new investments, showcase employers who are creating new energy jobs, and provide consumer tips for energy efficiency and savings.
Michigan’s Energy Future Today will be released to more than 80 cable stations statewide and is expected to run multiple times throughout each month. New shows will be produced monthly. Check local listings for air dates and times.
In her 2009 State of the State address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm called on the Legislature to enact a bold but achievable energy standard: by the year 2020, Michigan will reduce its use of imported fossil fuels for generating electricity by 45 percent. Michigan will reach this goal by increasing its use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and other new technologies. To help meet this ambitious new standard, Granholm offered a series of job creating proposals including increasing renewable energy use through entrepreneurship, putting Michigan utilities in the energy efficiency business; creating the Michigan Energy Corps; and launching Michigan Saves.
The Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) is investing in Michigan’s future by preparing for the new energy economy, helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.
where to find local recycling centers for all kinds of materials
Ever want to recycle something but are unsure of where to take it or even if it can be recycled? Well the link below will take you to a page where you can search for recycling centers both by material type and location. Very useful tool.
Michigan Net Metering Program, Revised Rules Approved
MPSC Establishes Statewide Net Metering Program, Approves Revised Rules Mar 18, 2009
March 18, 2009
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today established a statewide net metering program, required by Public Act 295 of 2008, also known as the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act. The Commission also approved electric interconnection and net metering rules.
Net metering occurs when customers with renewable energy generators produce electricity in excess of their needs, providing power back to the serving utility and receiving a credit for power they supply to the system. It is anticipated that most net metering customers will be using wind or solar generation equipment.
“The new statewide net metering program means residential and business customers can add small renewable energy electric generation projects onsite and get credited for the energy they produce in excess of their needs – at the full retail rate,” noted MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu. “As a result, my fellow Commissioners and I expect the number of net metering customers to skyrocket.”
The MPSC on March 3 held a public hearing to provide people with an opportunity to comment on the proposed rules that govern net metering an interconnection. Based on those comments, the MPSC made minor changes to clarify the meaning of the rules.
The approved rules:
· Classify interconnection projects into different categories to reflect the level of complexity of projects according to their size.
· Direct utilities to designate an initial point of contact for customer inquiries about interconnection and net metering, and alternative electric suppliers must designate a point of contact for inquiries about net metering; and direct applicants to designate a contact person who can respond to technical issues or questions from the utility.
· Add an alternative dispute resolution process to resolve conflicts that may arise.
· Provide for the appointment, if necessary, of one to three independent experts by the MPSC to review any technical, cost or timing issues, if a complaint is filed.
· Provide clear time limits for completion of reviews and studies, if necessary, that are based on the size and complexity of the project.
· Provide for re-application when an applicant for interconnection makes a material modification to an approved project.
· Require no additional insurance for the smallest projects (up to 150 kW) and do not require that the utility be named as an additional insured party. For larger systems, a minimum $1 million general liability policy would be obtained by the applicant.
· Provide for disconnection in certain circumstances.
· Provide that the applicant would be responsible for the costs of securing any easements or rights-of-way that might be required for interconnection.
· Provide that the size of net metering generators be limited to meet the applicant’s electric needs.
· Provide for the transfer of current net metering customers to the new net metering program within 30 days of the rules’ effective date.
· Establish net metering equipment requirements and grandfather existing equipment that is already properly interconnected.
· Provide for the measurement of monthly net usage with the customer’s existing meter, if it is capable of measuring the flow of energy in both directions for net metering customers with generators that are 20 kW or less.
· Establish billing and crediting procedures for net metering customers.
· Provide for the crediting at the full retail rate for true net metering customers.
· Provides for modified net metering for renewable generators up to 150 kW and methane digesters up to 550 kW.
· Provide for penalties for violations of rules.
The approved revised rules now go to the Legislative Service Bureau and the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules for certification as soon as possible. The Commission is seeking a waiver of the 15 days required to expire before certification by the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules. That waiver would allow the rules to take effect no later than April 4.
Once final approval is granted for the rules, Michigan electric utilities, including investor-owned, regulated cooperatives, and alternative electric suppliers, will offer their customers a net metering program.
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
Case Nos. U-15803 and U-15787
