Energy

in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 916: Energy: alternative sources; bidding requirements; update. Amends sec. 28 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1028).

SB 916 updates Michigan's renewable energy requirements for electric providers by establishing a tiered portfolio standard that increases from 15% by 2029 to 60% by 2035. The bill allows providers to meet these targets through generating renewable energy, purchasing power, or acquiring renewable energy credits, with specific limits on the use of out-of-state credits. It also introduces financial incentives for providers entering into non-affiliate contracts for renewable energy or clean energy storage systems after June 30, 2024, and permits energy waste reduction credits to substitute for up to 10% of renewable energy requirements under certain conditions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill increases renewable energy portfolio standards and introduces incentives for clean energy contracts.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill increases renewable energy requirements and promotes clean energy, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Resilience Renewable Energy

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 5847: Public utilities: electric utilities; cyber-physical security and operational technology protections for electric utility facilities and natural gas utilities; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding 10ii.

This bill requires electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan to prove they have security measures in place to protect critical infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. Utilities must also maintain a risk-based program to identify and mitigate these risks. If approved by the state commission, utilities can pass the cost of these enhanced security investments onto retail customers through a specific fee. The bill also mandates that sensitive information regarding security vulnerabilities and protective systems remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens energy infrastructure by mandating cyber-physical security measures to protect critical utility facilities.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates cybersecurity measures and operational technology protections for critical infrastructure, directly enhancing security.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · Michigan · House May 14, 2026

HB 5966: Transportation: motor fuel tax; gas tax holiday; provide for. Amends secs. 8 & 152 of 2000 PA 403 (MCL 207.1008 & 207.1152).

This bill establishes a temporary gas tax holiday in Michigan, setting the motor fuel tax rate to zero cents per gallon starting immediately. The zero rate will remain in effect until either November 1, 2026, or the nationwide average gas price drops below $3.50, whichever happens first. While the holiday is active, the standard tax rates for gasoline and diesel are suspended, and the bill includes specific reporting requirements for suppliers and end users holding fuel inventory.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by suspending motor fuel taxes, reducing costs for consumers and businesses.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyThe bill reduces motor fuel taxes, lowering costs for consumers and indirectly supporting energy affordability and demand.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes a temporary gas tax holiday, reducing costs for drivers and supporting transportation accessibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Transportation Funding

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 987: Use tax: collections; collection of use tax on utility bills; prohibit. Amends sec. 4n of 1937 PA 94 (MCL 205.94n).

Senate Bill 987 amends Michigan's use tax law to maintain the exemption of electricity, natural gas, and home heating fuels from the additional 2% use tax for residential use. This change ensures that households continue to pay only the standard sales tax rate on these essential utilities rather than the higher rate. The bill directly affects Michigan residents by preserving the current tax treatment of residential energy consumption. Introduced by Senator Jonathan Lindsey on May 20, 2026, the legislation is currently under review by the Committee on Government Operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill maintains exemption of essential utilities from additional use tax, providing tax relief to households and preserving lower tax rates for residential energy consumption.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects residential energy consumers by maintaining exemptions from higher use taxes on essential utilities like electricity and gas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Oil & Gas

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 915: Public utilities: public service commission; competitive bidding for certain utility contracts; require. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6bb.

This bill requires electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan to use competitive bidding for contracts involving construction, operations, maintenance, or capital improvements. If a utility fails to follow this competitive process, the state commission cannot allow the company to recover the costs associated with that contract. The law also grants ratepayers and bidders the right to sue for damages or injunctive relief if the competitive bidding rules are not followed, with potential penalties of at least $1,000 plus legal fees. Additionally, all bids submitted to these utilities must be treated as public records and made available for inspection and copying.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates competitive bidding for utility contracts, protecting consumers and promoting market efficiency in energy infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Utility Regulation

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 930: Public utilities: electric utilities; guidelines for applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity; provide for. Amends sec. 8 of 1995 PA 30 (MCL 460.568).

This bill updates Michigan's rules for electric utilities seeking permission to build major new transmission lines. It requires companies to send detailed, plain-language notices by mail and in local newspapers to all municipalities and landowners near proposed routes, including maps and contact information for public comment. The legislation also grants affected landowners and municipalities full legal standing to participate in the review process and sets a one-year deadline for the state commission to approve or deny applications. Additionally, the bill mandates that if a project is not started within five years of approval, the permit becomes invalid.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enhances transparency and public participation in transmission line approvals, protecting infrastructure development and consumer interests.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure Transmission

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 6011: Businesses: other; cybersecurity requirements for large-scale solar energy facilities; provide for. Amends 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1232) by adding sec. 112a.

This bill requires operators of large-scale solar energy facilities in Michigan, defined as those with 50 megawatts or more of capacity, to implement cybersecurity measures to protect safety-critical systems. The law mandates that these facilities follow a risk-based security program aligned with national standards and report material cyber incidents to state and local authorities within 24 to 72 hours. Operators must also maintain incident response plans for coordinating with emergency responders, while specific security details remain confidential and are exempt from public disclosure. The legislation does not regulate facility siting, create new regulatory oversight, or impose additional costs on local governments, and it allows facilities to use existing staff to meet compliance requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates cybersecurity measures for large-scale solar facilities, protecting critical energy infrastructure and enhancing security for renewable energy operations.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates cybersecurity measures and incident reporting for large solar facilities, directly enhancing cybersecurity protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Cybersecurity

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 933: Public utilities: electric utilities; electronic transmission infrastructure; allow to use existing rights-of-way. Amends sec. 13 of 1925 PA 368 (MCL 247.183) & adds sec. 13a.

This bill allows electric utilities and other infrastructure providers to build and maintain electronic transmission lines within existing highway rights-of-way without needing separate consent from local governments. It establishes a fee structure for using these spaces, caps permit fees at $1,000 per mile, and requires that any installed lines be underground to avoid increasing road maintenance costs. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the state transportation department share future road plans with utility developers and provide a five-year notice before requiring the relocation of high-voltage transmission lines.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill facilitates electronic transmission infrastructure by allowing use of existing rights-of-way, reducing barriers to energy grid expansion and modernization.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 5869: Energy: alternative sources; HOPE zone exemption; provide for. Amends sec. 9 of 2023 PA 108 (MCL 211.1159). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5852'26, HB 5856'26

This bill modifies the Michigan Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act to create a tax exemption for solar projects located in designated HOPE zones. Under the proposed changes, solar facilities in these areas would not be subject to the standard annual tax, which is normally $7,000 per megawatt of capacity. The exemption applies only to the specific tax portion of the fee and is tied to the duration of the HOPE zone designation. The bill also includes a tie-bar provision, meaning it will only become effective if two other related bills are passed by the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax exemption for solar projects, reducing the tax burden and promoting renewable energy investment.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates tax exemptions for solar projects in HOPE zones, directly advancing renewable energy development and reducing barriers to clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates tax exemptions for solar energy facilities, promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Solar

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passed · Michigan · House Aug 26, 2026

HB 5940: Public utilities: electric utilities; electronic transmission infrastructure; allow to use existing rights-of-way. Amends sec. 13 of 1925 PA 368 (MCL 247.183) & adds sec. 13a.

HB 5940 allows electric utilities and other providers to install electronic transmission infrastructure, such as high-voltage power lines, within existing highway rights-of-way without needing separate consent from local governments. The bill establishes specific standards for underground placement to avoid increasing road maintenance costs and introduces a fee structure where utilities pay a one-time permit fee, with revenues dedicated to highway capital and maintenance. Additionally, the legislation creates a coordination process between the state transportation department and utilities to identify suitable routes and includes protections that prevent the state from relocating transmission lines for at least five years once a route is approved.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill facilitates energy infrastructure deployment by allowing utilities to use existing rights-of-way, reducing barriers to grid expansion and maintenance.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds highway maintenance via utility fees and mandates underground infrastructure to avoid increasing road maintenance costs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Transmission Roads & Highways

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