Alternative Energy

PSC Report: New Cable TV Regs Create Both Competition, Monopolies LANSING - Changes to cable television regulations have meant more communities with competitive programming providers, but also more communities with no provider, according to a report released Tuesday by the Public Service Commission.

Consumers Energy, Detroit Edison Hit Competition Cap During Past Year LANSING - Both Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison saw increases in customers seeking power from competitors sufficient to bring the utilities to the statutory caps on competition during the past year, the Public Service Commission said in a report issued Tuesday.

2010 Michigan's Going Green Award Winners Announced WARREN – Corp magazine and MITechNews.Com recognized on Jan. 26 the companies and organizations leading the way on making Michigan a more alternative energy friendly state.

Detroit Arsenal Looking For Math, Science Students For Summer Jobs WARREN, Mi. - The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center will infuse its ranks with new talent this June through a summer job hire program.

Grand Rapids Community College Lands $4 Million Green Job Training Grant GRAND RAPIDS - Grand Rapids Community College has landed $4 million in stimulus money to train more than 1,000 inner-city residents for green jobs. Those jobs - in energy-efficient building construction, renewable energy and advanced battery manufacturing - pay between $12 and $28 an hour.

1000th Tesla Electric Roadster Manufactured DETROIT – Tesla Motors has manufactured the 1000th electric-powered roadster, which rivals a gasoline-powered Porsche 911 in performance. The $100,000 plus car is just the first of a fleet of electric-powered cars planned by the California automaker.

US Army's TARDEC – Detroit Arsenal – Develops Pilotless Electric Scout Vehicle DETROIT – The US Army's TACOM Command – the Detroit Arsenal in Warren – is developing a pilotless, electric-powered, six-wheeled armored scout vehicle that could help commanders monitor battlefield conditions without putting soldiers in harm’s way.

Smart Hybrid Electric Car Has Michigan Connection DETROIT – The Smart low emissions car, with some 40,000 now on the road, is built by Mercedes in France and distributed by Penske in the United States. Next up is an all electric-powered car that will be available in the United States by the fourth quarter, Smart President Jill Lajdziak said in this interview from the North American International Auto Show.

Ford To Invest $450 Million In Wayne Assembly Plant To Build Hybrids, Battery-Electric Vehicles By 2012 DETROIT – Ford Motor Company announced Monday it is investing $450 million in its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne to produce future hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles starting in 2012.

Commerce Department Speeds Up Green Tech Patent Process WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Patent and Trademark Office will pilot a program to accelerate the examination of certain "green" technology patent applications, Secretary Gary Locke announced on Monday. The new initiative will accelerate the development and deployment of green technology, create green jobs, and promote U.S. competitiveness in this vital sector.

Better Batteries, A Better World MIDLAND - Advanced Battery Concepts is a company with an exciting new power play. The company has developed a proprietary battery electrode technology, branded GreenSeal, which is anticipated to enhance lead acid battery power tenfold or nearly double the energy, without additional material costs.

Green Tech Finds A Friend In Washington WASHINGTON DC - A year ago, everybody in green tech wondered where they'd get money to survive the financial crisis. The answer for many was Washington.

House Rejects Senate's Attempt To Bar Electricity Needs In Air Permit Process LANSING - The Michigan Senate's attempt to bar the state from considering electric capacity needs during the air permit approval process for new power plants was rejected by the House on Friday.

Low-Income Consumer Energy Customers To Get More Time To Pay Utility Bills LANSING - Low-income customers of Consumers Energy would have more time to repay back utility bills and would not have power disconnected in summer as well as winter under a program approved Tuesday by the Public Service Commission.

Meadowlark Builders, Architectural Resource Win Green Building Awards ANN ARBOR - Meadowlark Builders and Architectural Resource have been recognized for their collaboration on green building projects by the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor.

Study: DTE Monroe Coal-Fired Plant 7th Dirtiest In Nation LANSING - DTE Energy's coal-fired plant in Monroe emits the seventh-most carbon dioxide of any power plant in the nation, according to a study prepared by a group urging approval of a new federal law regulating greenhouse gases.

Clean Emission Fluids Brings Biofuels To The Pump DETROIT - Clean Emissions Fluids, a Wayne State University on TechTown Tenant, has come up with a revolutionary way to deliver biofuels of many kinds to gasoline service stations.

New Officer Elected For Corn Marketing Program Of Michigan LANSING - Clark Gerstacker of Midland was reelected President of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, the trade and lobbying arm of the Michigan Corn Growers Association.

Michigan Public Service Commission Orders Utilities To Disclose Rate Hikes LANSING - Though they can implement the rate hikes without initial approval, the Michigan Public Service Commission is ordering more utilities to say exactly how much they plan to hike rates.

Small, Community Wind Conference Comes To Detroit Nov. 3-5 DETROIT - Detroit Cobo Center will host the inaugural Small and Community Wind Conference & Exhibition Nov. 3-5. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who worked with the Legislature to pass Michigan's first renewable energy portfolio standard, will speak at the general session.