Press Release – A Michigan Public Power Agency collaboration with NorthStar Clean Energy provides enough energy to power 8,580 homes for Member utilities across Michigan.
Lansing, MI, September 22, 2026 – Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), a joint action agency for municipal utilities, today announced that Hart Solar has entered commercial operation, fulfilling a power purchase agreement for 50 MW of renewable energy. The project, located in Oceana County and developed in partnership with NorthStar Clean Energy, will contribute enough to MPPA Members to power 8,580 homes. Fourteen of MPPA’s Member utilities share in the contract.
“Hart Solar reflects MPPA’s long-term commitment to helping our Members secure reliable, cost-effective and carbon-free power supply resources that strengthen and diversify their power supply portfolios,” said Patrick Bowland, CEO & General Manager at MPPA. “Through joint action, public power communities of all sizes can share in the economies of scale needed to make utility-scale renewable projects like Hart Solar a practical, long-term resource for the customers and communities they serve.”
Hart Solar is the third solar project to enter commercial operation for MPPA Members in the past year, following Brandt Woods Solar in Calhoun County and White Tail Solar in Washtenaw County. Since November 2023, when Michigan Public Act 235 was signed into law, utilities across the state have continued developing plans to meet the statewide renewable energy standard, which requires utilities to reach 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 60% by 2035. Joint action projects like Hart Solar help MPPA’s Members make progress toward those targets.
NorthStar Clean Energy, an Ann Arbor-based developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy projects and a subsidiary of CMS Energy, is the developer and operator of the Hart Solar project. The total array is rated at 120 MW. Of that, MPPA has contracted 50 MW.
“Hart Solar is an important investment in Michigan’s energy future and demonstrates how strong partnerships can help deliver clean, energy solutions to communities across our state,” said Brian Hartmann, President and CEO of NorthStar Clean Energy. “By working with organizations like Executive Energy and MPPA, we’re helping meet customer energy goals while strengthening Michigan’s energy infrastructure with additional renewable generation. We’re proud to celebrate the completion of this project and the positive impact it will have on the community for years to come.”
About MPPA
Founded in 1978, Michigan Public Power Agency is a not-for-profit joint action agency who works collectively with municipal-owned utilities to share energy supply and related services to lower costs, reduce risks, and leverage expertise. More at mpower.org.
About NorthStar Clean Energy
NorthStar Clean Energy, founded in 1987, provides customized energy solutions that help customers achieve their business and sustainability objectives. The company operates a diverse portfolio of energy assets to meet growing demand for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. More at northstarcleanenergy.com