The Rubber Meets the Road. At the end of last year, we marveled and worried about the forecasts for staggering load growth in the years ahead, largely at the hands of AI-crunching data centers. Today, those forecasts, real or perceived, are driving up prices for power and the infrastructure required to produce more of it.
Will these forecasts materialize or will other factors, such as the cost and struggle to add more power, create a different result? Ask me two years from now. In the meantime, this shock to the electric system reminds us that consistent forward planning, prioritizing what we can control, and building a business that can swiftly adapt to change, is what keeps us out of the ditch.
Our 2026 Focus
In that spirit, we enter 2026 with a full plate of strategic objectives designed to advance and further sophisticate our power supply planning software, identify long-term reliability solutions from assets we know, own, or control, and build financial management tools that provide the ability to forecast our financial profile under many different potential future environments. These efforts will provide long-term organizational dividends.
Our ability to achieve these objectives comes from deeper collaboration with our members and the ideas and hard work of the great employees of MPPA. We recognize these are our competitive strengths and intend to lean into them further in 2026.
Each year there are unanticipated events and 2025 had its fair share from the DOE Orders keeping the Campbell units running to MISO’s proposed tariff changes to Behind the Meter Generation market rules, to name a few. We know in 2026 there will be a few surprises, but we will overcome whatever they may be and maintain our focus on the long-term objectives.
Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) is looking for a dynamic individual to work in our energy market operations group as the Wholesale Power Market Affairs Lead.
Job Summary
This position is the primary liaison between MPPA and the Regional Transmission Organizations (“RTOs”) where we do business and will act as the subject matter expert on current and anticipated wholesale electric market tariffs, rules and business practices.
A message from Patrick Bowland, CEO & General Manager at Michigan Public Power Agency.
We are grateful for everyone who attended MPPA’s 2025 Annual Stakeholders Meeting. Though the event is several weeks in the rearview mirror, we continue to tackle many of the challenges we discussed together, which are also central to our strategic plan. In case you missed the event, here are a few highlights from our speakers.
Guest Speakers
Jeff Bladen, Head of Energy at Verrus Data Centers, and Bob Holycross, Vice President and Chief Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Officer at Ford Motor Company, were the external speakers at MPPA’s 2025 Annual Stakeholders Meeting. There is simply no question that these two speakers touched on subjects that are at the center of the bullseye of our strategic plan. Resource Adequacy, Decarbonization, Decentralization and the need to have high levels of Engagement in the industry to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving and sophisticated customer. Jeff and Bob presented information that is timely, relevant and impactful to our business.
Jeff helped us better understand the significant impact that growing data management and computation is having on the electricity industry. These data users represent a large share of industry load growth forecasts that rival the 1980’s and present unique challenges to electric utilities due to the size of the individual project load additions. To meet the specifications of these users of power, the industry must build new base load and dispatchable power resources. Yet at the same time, these users want low-emissions power supply. More complicated still is how utilities develop rates for these users and distribute the costs and benefits of adding these kinds of loads to the system.
Bob talked about Ford’s plans for sustainability and how those plans are impacting the tens of thousands of suppliers throughout the world and our individual communities from the small machine shop to the large mining company. In addition, Bob talked about transportation electrification and Ford’s plan to continue to grow this segment of their company. He talked about the utilities throughout the country that are thinking about the future and bringing a partnership mindset to working with Ford.
MPPA’s Presentation
For MPPA’s part of the Meeting, we focused on the behind-the-curtain work our staff has been focused on. We discussed the importance and rationale behind updating our portfolio management system, along with the complexities of rule changes in markets and what we are doing to stay abreast of those changes by building resilience in our staffing and systems. We also talked about transmission and the enormous build-out underway across the Midwest, which has a material impact on total delivered power supply costs as well as how we are managing the financial resources required from the rising volatility of commodities, regulation and weather.
In all, our goal is to help our members and business partners understand us better – to connect and align the work we are doing behind the scenes with the headlines they hear and read about in the industry.
Thank you! And if we missed you this year, we hope to see you as we gather again next Spring!
Patrick Bowland CEO & General Manager Michigan Public Power Agency
MPPA’s Board of Commissioners will select one eligible student to obtain the Janet and Richard Gorman Scholarship of $2,500 in the Fall of 2025. The scholarship fund is applicable for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Gormans started the scholarship in 1989 after Richard retired from his role as MPPA’s first general manager. Today, the scholarship has a proud history of supporting students as they learn and grow both personally and professionally.
Richard Gorman’s Role in MPPA’s Creation
Richard Gorman
Richard earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and notably served as the city manager of Petoskey for nearly 20 years before joining MPPA.
Richard leveraged his exceptional leadership skills to help create the agency and develop many of its first projects.
The scholarship aims to continue the Gormans’ legacy of leadership, encouraging students to embrace opportunities to drive positive change in their respective fields.
How to Apply
MPPA is proud to help manage the scholarship and welcomes eligible students to apply. Applicants must be enrolled in colleges, universities, junior colleges, or community colleges in Michigan.
Application Requirements
Children and/or legal wards of employees of a member of MPPA who is employed by the Council, Commission, or Board of Trustees having general management over the utility system of that MPPA member; and
Caden Bruinsma, 2024-2025 Janet & Richard Gorman Scholarship Recipient
One year ago, MPPA selected Caden Bruinsma to receive the Gorman scholarship. Since May of 2024, Caden has been a co-op engineer at Holland Board of Public Works.
His future plans are deeply rooted in where his education began. Caden intends to continue working for a West Michigan municipality to create sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
MPPA’s Board of Commissioners is looking forward to reviewing applications and awarding the Janet & Richard Gorman scholarship to a hard-working, eligible student. To apply, complete the scholarship application and email a finished copy to mcornelius@mpower.org by August 1, 2025.
Press Release – Michigan Public Power Agency commences contract to provide enough energy to power about 6,000 homes annually across Michigan.
Lansing, MI, April 7, 2025 – Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), a municipal power joint action agency, today announced that it has commenced a power purchase agreement for a 25 MW portion of the 125 MW Brandt Woods solar project in Calhoun County. MPPA’s share of the project will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of about 6,000 homes annually. The Brandt Woods solar facility aligns with MPPA’s continued commitment to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for residents and businesses throughout Michigan. Thirteen of MPPA’s twenty-two municipal Member utilities will receive the renewable power supply from MPPA’s portion of this project.
“Brandt Woods solar is another example of MPPA members making long-term commitments to get new renewable resources built in Michigan,” said Patrick Bowland, CEO & general manager of MPPA. “We appreciate the efforts of AES in bringing this impressive project to commercial operation.”
AES, a leading renewable energy developer and global energy company, is the developer and operator of the Brandt Woods solar project. The company developed the site with the preservation of the local environment and character of the community at the forefront, protecting the land for future generations. AES carefully selected ground cover and pollinator-friendly native species throughout the site, enhancing the region’s pollinator health and habitats, like those of the honey bee, which also benefits nearby agriculture.
The announcement comes as utilities across the state strive to meet or exceed Michigan’s aggressive renewable energy standards established under recently passed clean energy legislation. Through shared investments such as this portion of the Brandt Woods solar project, MPPA is helping Michigan Public Power utilities provide their customers with reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible power supply through a diversified portfolio of resources.
About MPPA
Founded in 1978, Michigan Public Power Agency is a municipal power joint action agency. MPPA was formed to undertake the planning, financing, development, acquisition, construction, improvement, operation, and maintenance of energy projects to share supply and related services to lower cost, reduce risk, and leverage expertise for the benefit of its Public Power Utility Members. More at https://mpower.org.
As we take a breather wrapping up 2024 and preparing for 2025, we reflect on how fortunate we are to be working in the energy industry at such an exciting time. The world wants a lot more electricity to run the economies of the future, and they want it to be cleanly produced, more reliably delivered and all this done affordably. Well, that’s not boring.
Managing Complexity in an Energy-Hungry Economy
Forecasts of greater electricity use in the future are staggering. These forecasts, largely driven by the computing power required for artificial intelligence systems as well as electrification, touch every sector of the economy. To meet the power supply specifications, the electric industry must find new solutions along with quickly mobilizing tried-and-true technologies of the present. For all of us working in the industry, we are humbled by the complexity but energized by the opportunity.
Public policy to decarbonize, coupled with growing electric consumption, presents a complicated problem. In response, industry stakeholders are writing and rewriting tariffs, rules, policies, legislation, and business plans as fast as the industry has ever seen in its history.
Charging Forward Together
Here at MPPA we have built a Strategic Plan that recognizes the dynamics of the industry require a more resilient and agile business operation as well as a deeper focus on evolving risk factors. That is being addressed in multiple ways, from diversifying responsibilities of and building redundancy in the staff and systems of market operations and financial services to breaking down the cost and reliability of hundreds of potential future power supply portfolios through scenario analysis. Although these efforts aren’t glamorous, they are the vital, behind the scenes requirements needed to manage risk and decision making in the future.
Big Changes for Michigan in 2025
2025 is a landmark year. Campbell #3 is being retired and Belle River is being repowered to natural gas. These are the founding power supply Projects of MPPA. These profound changes put an exclamation point on the complexities and opportunities we face in our industry and at MPPA. Our staff is ready for the challenge.
Do you want a career in the exciting and dynamic energy industry? Are you a business development leader with a knack for building relationships and spearheading complex projects with a variety of constituents?
Job Summary
The electric power industry is under profound change. Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) is adding a Strategic Solutions Business Lead to our team to assist our members and their end-use customers with sustainability, reliability, and resiliency objectives. In this role, you will play an integral role in helping 22 Michigan based community owned electric utilities transition to renewable and clean power supply technologies through the identification and implementation of innovative energy resource projects and services that will benefit the communities they serve.
Update: MPPA has filled this role and is no longer accepting applications.
Communities across Michigan celebrated Public Power Week by getting the entire neighborhood involved.
Thirty-eight years ago, the American Public Power Association (APPA) established Public Power Week to celebrate the efforts of local utility companies. The celebration takes place annually in the first full week of October and is a great opportunity for utility groups to show their appreciation for their communities and educate them on the benefits of local power.
This year, our Michigan municipal utilities spent the week engaging with local students and hosting family events. The week was full of generous giveaways, school-sanctioned activities, and festive open houses.
Here are some highlights from Public Power Week celebrations around Michigan! Check out Currents Magazine for more in-depth coverage.
Interest in Public Power Starts Young
A great way to engage an entire community is to target its youngest members. When kids get excited about something, their energy is nothing short of contagious!
Power-ful Coloring Contests
Local utilities partnered with elementary schools in their communities to host coloring contests for students to learn about public power in a fun, interactive way.
The contests were open to multiple grade levels and awarded one grand prize winner per community. Winners received special goodies, such as gift cards, goodie bags, and a feature in Currents magazine.
Take a look at some of these talented students and their creations!
Holland BPW | Ayannah
City of Niles | Harvest
Wyandotte Municipal Services | Ellie
Bay City Electric Light & Power | Carlos
School Visits
Local utility workers stopped by elementary classrooms in Coldwater, MI and Traverse City, MI to teach impressionable minds about Public Power. Students got to learn about electrical safety by participating in hands-on learning and watching interactive presentations.
Celebrating with the Whole Community
Public Power Week didn’t end at the classroom doorways. Festivals and giveaways in Grand Haven, Lowell, and Zeeland involved entire families. Each town celebrated a little differently but all had one thing in common– an appreciation for the families that enjoy Public Power.
Events included multiple giveaways and a chance to enter a drawing for the grand prize giveaway – a Google Nest Smart Thermostat (Grand Haven Board of Light & Power), a free pumpkin decorating event and PowerFest with live utility pole climbing and turbine generator demonstrations (Lowell Light & Power), anda Public Power open house and the Van de Graaff generator (Zeeland Board of Public Works).
Community Power Beyond Our Own Neighborhoods
Like most everyday pleasures, it can be hard to appreciate the convenience of working power until it’s gone. Our local utilities work tirelessly to ensure we never have to go without power for too long.
Hurricane Milton stripped this everyday resource away from millions. Members of the Michigan Public Power Agency jumped into action and 36 volunteers from seven utilities across the state traveled south to help restore power after the storm ravaged communities in Florida. This “mutual aid” coordinated by the Michigan Municipal Electric Association and its partnership with the American Public Power Association is an amazing part of Public Power’s fabric.
A Well-Deserved Celebration for Community-Owned Power
Community-owned power has a unique way of bringing a community closer together. Public Power Week and mutual aid in support of those impacted by Hurricane Milton are great examples of this.
Local utility workers constantly work behind the scenes to keep our families safe and comfortable. Next time you meet a utility worker in your community, be sure to thank them for their work.
The MPPA Board of Commissioners happily announces Caden Bruinsma, a senior at Grand Valley State University ‘25, as the 2024 Gorman Scholarship recipient. He will receive $2,500 to put toward the 2024/2025 academic year. The Board reviewed 30 applicants, representing 14 different Michigan colleges and universities. This year’s applicants are a highly committed group of students, all with bright futures in their fields. Caden stood out as the most qualified candidate.
Since May of 2023, Caden has worked as a co-op engineer at Holland Board of Public Works where his father, Steve Bruinsma serves as the Electric Distribution Superintendent. Caden’s hands-on experience has reinforced his interest in public utilities. He plans to stay on the engineering track following graduation.
“I’m honored,” Caden said. “Your support will help me continue my education and work towards improving public power systems. My goal is to continue working for a West Michigan municipality to create sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.”
We are proud to support the future of our industry through the Janet & Richard Gorman scholarship. Congratulations Caden, and thank you to this year’s applicants! It is encouraging to see so many students passionate about our industry.
Recent winners
2023 – 2024 Breckin Prichard – His father, Will Prichard, is employed with the City of Sturgis. Breckin was a Sophomore at Central Michigan University, seeking a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
2022 – 2023 Suhaimi Fariz Azam- His father, Shafiul Azam, is employed with Lansing Board of Water & Light. Mr. Fariz Azam was a Senior at Michigan State University, seeking a degree in Electrical Engineering.
2020 – 2021 Sophia Louden – Her mother, Cheryl Louden, is employed with Lansing Board of Water & Light. Ms. Louden was a Senior at Western Michigan University, seeking a degree in Chemical Engineering.
MPPA’s Board of Commissioners will select one student who will receive $2,500 in the Fall of 2024, applicable for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Janet & Richard Gorman Scholarship is about opening doors and using the gift to help students achieve their potential. The goal is to contribute to career and personal development as students learn and grow as individuals who will live lives of leadership and create positive change in their field.
Richard and Janet Gorman provided a generous gift to establish the scholarship after Richard retired from MPPA in 1989. Richard was MPPA’s first General Manager. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Before his role at MPPA, he notably served as the City Manager in Petoskey for nearly 20 years. Richard brought exceptional leadership to MPPA at its inception and was an integral part of establishing the agency, developing many of its first projects. Richard’s career is a testament to how much he valued the mission of MPPA. He and his wife Janet’s generosity continues the legacy of his work by giving back to students.
How to Apply
MPPA is proud to be a part of managing the Gorman scholarship. We encourage students to take advantage of this great opportunity by submitting an application.
Applicant Requirements:
The Janet and Richard Gorman Scholarship is open to children and legal wards of MPPA Member utility staff. This includes utility system staff as well as those employed by the Council, Commission, or Board of Trustees responsible for general management over the utility system of that MPPA Member. Children and legal wards of Michigan Public Power Agency staff are also eligible to apply.
Applicants must be enrolled in colleges, universities, junior colleges, or community colleges located in the state of Michigan. 2024 high school graduates are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to students seeking degrees in engineering but students pursuing a degree in any field are encouraged to submit an application.
Our Board of Commissioners is excited to review applications and award the Janet & Richard Gorman scholarship to a deserving, committed student. We are happy to be a part of helping students realize their gifts as they make impactful contributions to their field of study.
Steven joined MPPA in 2020, bringing with him many years of valuable experience. He is responsible for the management of MPPA’s long term resources, which includes renewable commitments and historical investments in electric power and generation assets. In addition, Donkersloot oversees MPPA’s energy services platform that is designed to meet unique needs and requirements of Members.
Donkersloot started in the electric industry in 2009 as an intern for Lowell Light & Power (LL&P), a municipal electric utility and Member of MPPA, while attending Hope College. After graduating from Hope in 2010 with a BA in Accounting, Steven served LL&P in many capacities, including the General Manager position from 2016 – 2020. As GM, he was responsible for the overall management of the utility’s operations, facilities, personnel, and policies. Steven is a strong believer in the value proposition of joint action and Public Power!
Robert Lalonde
Director of Energy Supply and Operations
Bob comes to MPPA with more than 25 years of industry experience working previously at DTE Energy Trading and most recently at Lansing Board of Water and Light. Bob’s career started working in power plants at DTE after 8 years in Naval Nuclear Power which progressed to control center operations and generation dispatch before moving to DTE Energy Trading where he was responsible for managing retail basis positions in wholesale markets in PJM, MISO, NYISO and NEPOOL. Bob’s most recent experience at Lansing was managing power plant fuel procurement, wholesale trading, MISO market operations and was Lansing’s NERC Compliance Officer. Bob holds a BA in Business Administration from Baker College.
Laurie Valasek
Chief Financial Officer
Laurie Valasek is the Chief Financial Officer of the Michigan Public Power Agency. She is responsible for leading the Financial Services Business Unit which entails all facets of fiscal operations, capital management, creditworthiness, credit risk, financial analysis, and financial regulatory compliance. Laurie joined MPPA in April 2023. She is a financial executive and business leader with over 20 years’ experience in the power industry with a unique background combining extensive operational and transactional experiences that include debt financing, risk management and talent development initiatives.
Laurie holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Michigan-Flint and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Central Michigan University.
Patrick Bowland
Chief Executive Officer & General Manager
Patrick Bowland is the CEO & General Manager of Michigan Public Power Agency (“MPPA”). Patrick has served in this role since September 2015, and is responsible for strategy, staffing, resource requirements, and business plan execution. He reports to MPPA’s Board of Commissioners.
Patrick’s expertise is in competitive wholesale and retail energy markets, where he worked for 20 years prior to joining MPPA. He has held leadership positions, with growing responsibility in transaction origination, power supply portfolio management and market operations for Engage Energy, Integrys Energy Services, and Constellation Energy. Patrick has developed business arrangements with merchant generators, public power utilities, electric cooperatives, and sophisticated end-use customers in the Midwest and Northeast United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution and an MBA from Wayne State University.
