LANSING - Michigan’s net metering and solar program increased 20 percent in 2015 from the year before, reports a new study released Monday by the Michigan Public Service Commission Monday. Under a net metering program, when customers produce electric energy in excess of their needs, power is provided back to the serving utility, permitting the
LANSING - The Public Service Commission on Thursday authorized the Upper Peninsula Power Company to increase its electric rates, but by an amount 30.4 percent lower than the utility had requested. Also, because the final amount approved ($4,647,975 annually) is lower than the more than $6.2 million the utility self-implemented in March, the PSC said
ANN ARBOR - Converting human urine into a safe fertilizer for agricultural crops is the goal of a new $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation. University of Michigan engineering researchers lead the project, and they'll work with colleagues at the Vermont-based Rich Earth Institute, U-M School of Natural Resources and Environment, U-M School
LANSING - Payments made to the regional electric operator overseeing Michigan's power to keep the White Pine electric generator in the Upper Peninsula running will be eliminated within 90 days, the Michigan Agency for Energy said Thursday, saving UP electric ratepayers about $7 million a year through June 2018. Customers of Upper Peninsula Power Company,
LANSING - Consumers Energy on Thursday announced a rate increase of 4.2 percent for all of its customers, residential and business, averaging about $4.09 per month for the typical home. In March, the utility filed a $225 million request with the PSC to adjust its electric rate structure but has since come down to $170
LANSING - Are you a leader in green chemistry and engineering? You are invited to participate as a presenter at the 2016 Michigan Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, November 17 at GVSU's Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids. The deadline to apply is Aug. 26. The Michigan “GreenUp” Conference is designed to be a valuable platform
ANN ARBOR - In a new study from University of Michigan, co-funded by the American Petroleum Institute, researchers challenges the widely held assumption that biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel are inherently carbon neutral. Contrary to popular belief, the heat-trapping carbon dioxide gas emitted when biofuels are burned is not fully balanced by the CO2
LANSING - A spokesperson for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator said Thursday said it is too early to say if the group would study electric generation expansion in northern Michigan as Gov. Rick Snyder has requested. Snyder sent a letter to the organization that oversees electric transmission in 15 states and Manitoba urging the company
GRAND RAPIDS - West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will again honor local organizations and professionals at The Third Annual Triple Bottom Line Bash on October 12. As in past years, a nominating committee of past honorees and WMSBF board presidents will select finalists for a vote by the forum membership. To assist the committee in this
LANSING - An agreement has been reached between Cliffs Natural Resources and WEC Energy Group to provide the Upper Peninsula with long-term electric supply, the state announced Monday. The new agreement, if approved, would result in 170 megawatts of new natural gas-powered generation across two sites in the U.P., a statement from Governor Rick Snyder's
