$156.1 million in Michigan rooftop solar program funding cancelled by EPA

LANSING, Mich. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified Michigan that it’s terminating funding for Michigan’s Solar for All program.

$156.1 million in federal funds was obligated to the state of Michigan for the program, which was designed to bring renewable and affordable energy to low-income communities.

In response to the termination, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Director Phil Roos released the following statement:

“The state’s MI Solar for All Program would significantly reduce energy costs for thousands of Michigan residents, providing an average savings of $400 per family per year while creating approximately 700 high-quality local jobs, boosting the state’s economy and supporting American businesses. By increasing Michigan’s energy independence, the program also builds resilience against power outages and extreme weather events. Regrettably, the EPA wants to retroactively cut funding for this vital program at a time when such initiatives should be prioritized. We are currently working with Michigan’s Attorney General to determine our next steps.”

Federal funds obligated to Michigan were set to provide direct financial investment for rooftop solar, community solar, energy storage, and enable upgrades, as well as workforce development, community education and outreach, and technical assistance, according to EGLE.

EGLE has granted $13.9 million in awards to 13 pilot projects that would cut costs for hundreds of households in Michigan, ELGE said in a release.

The EPA announced its plans to cancel its $7 billion in grant program help low and moderate-income households gain access to solar energy last week.