The Michigan Public Service Commission announced Wednesday it has posted a request for proposals (RFP) for a renewable energy and electrification infrastructure enhancement and development grant program.

The RFP meets the requirements of Public Act 119 of 2023, under which the MPSC must develop the $21.3 million grant program. The RFP was finalized after a public comment period and is open for businesses, nonprofit organizations, local units of government and tribal governments to fund planning, developing, designing, acquiring or constructing renewable energy and electrification infrastructure projects in Michigan.

The RFP can be found at the MPSC’s webpage for the grant program, which will prioritize funding for infrastructure or planning projects that meet one or more of the MI Healthy Climate Plan goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economy-wide carbon neutrality.

The deadline to submit proposals is Feb. 21, 2024. Proposals must be submitted by email to LARA-MPSC-RE-EIEDGRANT@michigan.gov.

In advance of this deadline, potential applicants have two opportunities to seek clarification on the RFP. The first inquiry deadline will be Jan. 11, 2024, with responses posted Jan 18 to the grant program webpage. The second inquiry deadline will be Jan. 26, with responses posted by Feb. 5. Inquiries must be submitted by email to LARA-MPSC-RE-EIEDGRANT@michigan.gov.

Public Act 119 requires the MPSC to allow all applications for this grant to be reviewed by business interests, environmental groups and local units of government. The MPSC also encourages tribal governments, nonprofit organizations and other interested parties directly affected by the proposals to review the applications. All applications will be posted, unredacted, to the grant webpage on Feb. 28, 2024.

After a 45-day review period, applicants will have a 15-day window to modify their proposal based on the comments received and resubmit, if desired. The final deadline for revised or modified proposals is April 29, 2024. Modified proposals must be submitted to LARA-MPSC-RE-EIEDGRANT@michigan.gov, and the email should explain that the proposal has been modified. Modified proposals will be posted to the grant webpage. The MPSC anticipates notifying selected grant recipients of their award status in September 2024.

The anticipated grant start date is Nov. 15, 2024.