Clean Update

Could AI Become Michigan’s Newest Major Water User?

As Oracle moves ahead with a $4.3 billion AI data center near Ann Arbor, Great Lakes advocates say Michigan needs to know how much water the industry will consume. SALINE - Michigan's race to become a leader in artificial intelligence is accelerating. Oracle is moving forward with what could become one of the state's largest

Ann Arbor To Power Vital City Infrastructure With Its Biggest Solar Installation

ANN ARBOR - The City of Ann Arbor has constructed its biggest solar installation to date at Steere Farm Wells, providing power to vital city infrastructure. Steere Farm, on Ann Arbor’s south side, is one of the city’s top-10 electricity users, working to pump water uphill to the Water Treatment Facility, a critical part of

Why Michigan Has Some of the Midwest’s Highest Electric Rates—And Why Your Bill Isn’t Even Higher

Independent review by the Citizens Research Council largely agrees with state regulators on why Michigan's electric rates remain high—but says policymakers should focus on lowering the cost per kilowatt-hour rather than average monthly bills. LANSING – Ask Michigan homeowners whether electricity has become more expensive and most won't hesitate with the answer. Absolutely. In one

Michigan’s Share Of Iran War Costs Could Top $2 Billion, Estimates Show

ANN ARBOR — The recent U.S.-Iran conflict may have ended with a ceasefire, but Michigan residents could be paying the bill for months to come. Michigan drivers are currently paying about $4.11 a gallon for regular gasoline, roughly one-third more than a year ago, even after prices retreated from spring highs. At the same time,

Ohio Consumers Fear AI Data Centers Could Raise Electric Bills. Michigan Is Having The Same Debate

COLUMBUS  – Ohio consumers are increasingly asking whether they will be forced to pay higher electric bills to support the massive power demands of AI data centers, a debate that is now beginning to take shape in Michigan. While average residential electric bills in Michigan remain lower than those in neighboring Ohio, regulators, utilities, consumer

Could Michigan See $5 Gas Again? Oil Industry Sounds Alarm On Falling Inventories

ANN ARBOR - Michigan consumers could be facing another round of economic pain as major oil companies and commodity traders warn that global petroleum inventories are falling to unusually low levels, raising concerns that crude oil prices could surge to $150 per barrel or higher if another major supply disruption occurs. For Michigan residents, the

Michigan Residents Face Higher Summer Peak Electric Rates Through September

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Michigan households pay hundreds of dollars more annually for electricity than the national average. The story compared residential electricity rates per kilowatt-hour rather than average monthly electric bills. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration cited by the Michigan Public Service Commission,

Summer Peak Electric Rates Return For Millions Of Michigan Residents

ANN ARBOR - On June 1, millions of customers served by DTE Energy and Consumers Energy moved onto seasonal "time-of-use" electric rates that charge more for electricity during periods of highest demand. The pricing structure is designed to reduce stress on the electric grid during hot summer afternoons. But it also means households that run

Why Nearby States Can’t Always Rescue Michigan During A Major Power Emergency

LANSING - The debate over artificial intelligence data centers in Michigan has largely focused on land use, water consumption and local opposition. But a bigger question may be emerging: Can Michigan's electric grid handle the demand? As Michigan competes for billions of dollars in AI infrastructure, electric vehicle manufacturing and advanced technology investments, energy experts

China’s Hydrogen Aviation Breakthrough Could Ripple Into Michigan’s Mobility Economy

DETROIT - China’s successful liquid hydrogen aircraft test is more than an aerospace milestone. For Michigan, it may be an early warning shot in the next global manufacturing and mobility race. The state already has billions tied to hydrogen development, fuel-cell research, heavy transportation infrastructure and advanced mobility systems. If hydrogen-powered aviation, trucking and industrial