Inflation Reduction Act Helping to Lower Clean Energy Costs in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the state of Michigan $159 million in bipartisan infrastructure law funding to help lower the cost of community and rooftop solar installations for thousands of low-income households.

In announcing receipt of the funds, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan is committed to a clean energy future and the benefits that she expects to come with it, including lower utility costs for families, the creation of good-paying jobs and the growth of the advanced manufacturing economy in the state.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and our hardworking congressional delegation, Michigan is ready to launch the MI Solar for All program, which will save thousands of working families [and] households across the state money on their utility bills,” Whitmer said. 

“By installing more solar energy on roofs or in communities, we can create more jobs, protect our air and water, and continue driving down costs. Together, let’s shore up our national clean energy leadership as we work towards our goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Let’s keep building and defining the future,” she said.

The funding from the IRA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will be administered through the MI Solar for All program. 

The competitively awarded program, led by the Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lakes and Energy, aims to increase access to affordable solar energy for eligible families by addressing barriers and increasing targeted resources. 

EGLE will invest the $159 million to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar, community solar and energy storage, provide resources for home upgrades like roof repairs that enable households to host rooftop solar, and partner with the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to invest in workforce development in targeted communities.  

“Expanding access to renewable energy is critical, particularly for our low-income and environmental justice communities, to reducing pollution, protecting our world-class natural resources and lowering energy costs for families,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos in a written statement.

“This investment will help us continue on our path toward a more sustainable future while ensuring real benefits for our communities, creating a positive and lasting impact for Michiganders today and tomorrow,” Roos said.

Whitmer said the state plans to bolster the impact of the federal money by tapping into “complementary public and private funding sources.”

The state will also conduct a robust outreach process involving interested stakeholders, with a focus on historically underserved communities, to raise awareness and encourage people to take advantage of this funding opportunity. 

Last November, Whitmer signed clean energy legislation making Michigan a national leader in the fight against climate change. 

At the time she said the bills would lower household utility costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and protect Michigan’s air and water resources, as well as public health. 

To date, utilizing Inflation Reduction Act funding, Michigan has introduced 45 new clean energy projects, ranging from solar and EVs to hydrogen and batteries — the most across any state in the nation. 

The 2023 Clean Jobs America Report stated that clean energy businesses in Michigan added more than 5,400 workers in 2022.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue