Category: Press Releases

25MW of Solar Power Enters Commercial Operation for Michigan Municipal Utilities

MPPA, Press Releases

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.

 

Zeeland BPW Promotes Holiday Power Dollars Program

Featured, Industry News, Press Releases
Zeeland, Michigan – Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW) is bringing back their annual Holiday Power Dollars Program. The tradition that began over 30 years ago to encourage homeowners to decorate the exterior of their homes is back this holiday season.

“The Holiday Power Dollars Program is quite unique,” shared Andrew Boatright, Zeeland BPW’s General Manager. “In short, the program provides extra holiday cheer all while boosting our local businesses” Boatright continued.

From Thanksgiving to December 15, 2024, Zeeland BPW residential electric customers can claim $15 in free Holiday Power Dollars by visiting zeelandbpw.com. These Holiday Power Dollars are redeemable at participating local businesses, where merchants receive 100% of the value of each certificate used, giving small businesses in Zeeland a holiday-season boost.

Boatright adds, “What started as a way to offset the cost of lighting yard cards, a long-standing Zeeland tradition, has turned into so much more and brought so much joy to this town we love.”

In addition, BPW is hosting a holiday home decorating contest on Facebook. Residents can submit photos of their outdoor decorations for a chance to win additional Holiday Power Dollar certificates (rules and regulations apply; see website for more details).

Holiday Power Dollars are available from November 28 through December 15 and may be spent at participating businesses through January 31, 2025. For more information, visit zeelandbpw.com/powerdollars.

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Zeeland BPW Community Grant Program

Featured, Industry News, Press Releases

ZEELAND, MI – April 2024 – The Zeeland Board of Public Works (Zeeland BPW) is excited to announce the revival of its Community Grant Program for the spring season. This initiative underscores Zeeland BPW’s commitment to supporting and fostering community development while ensuring the City of Zeeland continues to thrive for generations to come.

The Community Grant Program, offering reimbursement grants totaling up to $25,000, aims to channel resources back into the community, fueling projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce the Community Grant Program, which serves as a testament to our dedication to the vibrant community of Zeeland,” said Andrew Boatright, General Manager of the BPW. “This initiative provides a unique opportunity for schools, municipalities, and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, which we serve through water or electric services, to realize their innovative ideas and contribute to the betterment of our shared environment.”

Starting April 1 through May 3, 2024, interested parties are invited to submit their applications for consideration. Eligible applicants are encouraged to showcase their proposals, outlining how they plan to utilize Community Grant funding to positively impact the community.

“We encourage all eligible entities to seize this opportunity to collaborate with us in making a tangible difference in our community,” added Boatright. “Together, we can foster a culture of progress and prosperity that reflects the values of Zeeland.”

To learn more about the Community Grant Program and its application process, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Zeeland BPW website at zeelandbpw.com/community-grant.

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Zeeland BPW Boosts Holiday Cheer with Power Dollars

Featured, Industry News, Press Releases

Zeeland, Michigan – Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW) announces the return of its annual Holiday Power Dollars Program.  The tradition that began over 30 years ago incentivizes residential electric customers to decorate the exterior of their homes for the holidays. 

Starting on November 23rd, $15 in Holiday Power Dollars can be claimed online by all of our electric customers. “The Holiday Power Dollars Program is quite unique,” shared Andrew Boatright, Zeeland BPW’s General Manager. “In short, the program provides extra holiday cheer,” Boatright continued.

“Holiday Power Dollars can be used at participating businesses in Zeeland,” said Kate Chrisman, the Accounting and Finance Manager at Zeeland BPW. “I can’t think of a better way to support our area during the Holidays. Power Dollars encourages folks to decorate and gives our local businesses a boost.”

Residential electric customers can receive their Holiday Power Dollars by completing the online form. Digital Holiday Power Dollars can either be printed or saved to a smartphone. Participating merchants will scan the QR code to redeem the certificate and will receive 100% of the certificate’s value. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Boatright adds, “What started as a way to offset the cost of lighting yard cards, a long-standing Zeeland tradition, has turned into so much more and brought so much joy to this town we love.” 

As an added bonus this year, the BPW is holding a home decorating contest on Facebook as well. Homeowners can submit a photo of their outdoor decorations for a chance to win additional Holiday Power Dollar certificates (rules and regulations apply, see website for more details).

Power Dollars are available from Nov. 23 through Dec.10 and can be spent through Jan. 31, 2024. Visit zeelandbpw.com/powerdollars for more information.

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Assembly II and Assembly III Achieve Commercial Operation

Press Releases
MPPA News

D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) in partnership with Ranger Power, a Chicago-based utility-scale solar development company and the largest independent solar developer in Michigan, today announced the Assembly II and Assembly III solar projects have reached commercial operation (COD). Assembly Solar II is a 110 MWac solar facility and Assembly Solar III is a 79 MWac solar facility, both of which are located in Shiawassee County, Michigan. The Assembly II project reached commercial operation in December 2021, while the Assembly III project reached commercial operation in March 2022.

“We are very pleased to reach COD at Assembly II and III and to continue to invest in cost-effective clean energy in Michigan,” said David Zwillinger, chief executive officer of DESRI. “It was a pleasure to work with all of our business partners including our offtakers, lenders, tax equity investors and development partners at Ranger Power. This marks a tremendous effort in what continues to be a very exciting market.”

“DESRI is thrilled to see Assembly II and III come online; these two solar projects have brought new construction jobs to Shiawassee County and have marked important contributions to DESRI’s portfolio in Michigan,” added Chris Clevenger, chief operating officer of DESRI. “We appreciate the efforts of McCarthy and our other contracting partners for a smooth construction process.”

Assembly Solar II has two 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for a total of 110 MWac with Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) and its largest member, Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL). These PPAs are incremental to the two 25-year PPAs for 50 MWac MPPA and BWL executed with Assembly Solar I that reached COD in 2020. Assembly Solar II is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 22,500 homes each year, according to metrics provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“It’s important that our solar projects are a win-win for communities, and we’re proud that the Assembly Solar Project will contribute to the economic growth of Shiawassee County and the region,” said Paul Harris, president of Ranger Power. “During the construction phase of Assembly II and III, our partners at McCarthy hired nearly 400 local workers – from entry-level laborers to journeyman electricians and their excellent work on this project will generate clean, renewable energy for decades to come.”

“The BWL is committed to being the cleanest utility in the State of Michigan by continuing to grow our renewable portfolio and invest in cleaner energy options,” said Dick Peffley, general manager of Lansing Board of Water & Light. “This project allows us to continue providing our customers the clean energy they demand.”

“Public Power is thrilled to make this commitment to the residents and businesses we serve throughout the state of Michigan,” said Patrick Bowland, chief executive officer of Michigan Public Power Agency.

Assembly Solar III has a 25-year PPA with DTE Energy. The facility is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 15,800 homes each year, according to metrics provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“DTE Energy is excited to be part of Assembly Solar,” said Brian Calka, director of renewable solutions for DTE Energy. “We now have more than 50,000 residential customers, 460 business customers and 36 industrial customers enrolled in our MIGreenPower voluntary renewable energy program. Our participation in Assembly Solar will help us meet clean energy commitments from these customers.”

HSBC Bank USA acted as coordinating lead arranger for the construction of Assembly II, and KeyBanc Capital Markets and Siemens Financial Services (Siemens) acted as joint lead arrangers. KeyBank National Association acted as lender for the construction of Assembly II. Tax equity financing was provided by Wells Fargo.

HSBC Bank USA also acted as coordinating lead arranger for the construction of Assembly III, and CIBC acted as joint lead arranger. National Cooperative Services Corporation (NRUCFC) and Truist Bank (Truist) acted as lenders for the construction of Assembly III. Tax equity financing was provided by PNC Bank and a subsidiary of Monarch Private Capital, LLC.

McCarthy Building Companies served as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor (EPC) for both phases. In addition, Novasource Power Services will provide ongoing operations and maintenance services.

Ranger Power has successfully permitted over 2,000 MW of projects throughout the Midwest. By the end of 2023, Ranger anticipates that nearly 1 GW of projects developed by the company will be in commercial operation. Ranger Power prides itself on taking a community-first approach by focusing on community engagement, transparency, and responsible solar development.

About D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and its affiliates develop, acquire, own, and operate long-term contracted renewable energy assets in the U.S. DESRI’s portfolio of operating and in-construction renewable energy projects currently includes more than 65 contracted solar and wind projects representing more than 6,000 megawatts of aggregate capacity. DESRI is a member of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm with more than $60 billion in investment and committed capital as of December 1, 2021, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Please visit www.desri.com for more information about DESRI.