Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org.
DTE electric bills to rise after $217M rate hike approval: DTE Energy customers will see a 4.65% hike in electric bills starting Feb. 6, adding $4.61 to the average monthly residential bill, after Michigan regulators approved a $217.4 million rate increase. The Michigan Public Service Commission cut DTE’s initial request by 52% and earmarked funds for upgrading aging infrastructure and improving reliability, especially in low-income communities. Critics argue the utility isn’t prioritizing customer needs, pointing to repeated outages and concerns about how funds are being spent. Source: The Detroit News
Detroit church expands land holdings in solar energy deal Perfecting Church obtained 64 parcels from Detroit in a land swap that will enable city solar energy fields, with the church receiving land more valuable than what it traded. The deal comes after years of stalled redevelopment and a previous lawsuit, with the church planning future housing development in the area. Source: BridgeDetroit
Wayne County closes transit funding escape hatch Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation requiring 17 Wayne County communities to pay a county transit property tax, ending their ability to opt out of future countywide transit renewal votes. The new law will impact property owners who previously were exempt from the 0.95-mill tax for the Wayne County Transit Authority. Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
Bird Flu crashes Wayne County chicken coop A deadly avian influenza has infected a backyard flock in Wayne County, marking the first local detection since the virus emerged in Michigan three years ago. Officials have quarantined the location and killed the affected birds to prevent further spread, continuing the nationwide battle against this highly contagious virus. Source: MLive
Detroit streets turn into ice rink after water main break A water main break in Detroit left several residents stranded without water service during frigid temperatures, creating treacherous icy conditions on neighborhood streets. City crews worked to repair the break and restore water service while residents struggled with the unexpected skating pond in their front yards. Source: WXYZ
Michigan leads the nation in clean energy project boom A new study by Climate Power reveals Michigan secured 74 clean energy projects since 2022, attracting $27.84 billion in investments and creating over 26,000 jobs in battery manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and renewable energy sectors. The state continues to outpace other states in clean energy development, driven by federal subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act. Source: Michigan Advance
Michigan seeks an army of contractors to insulate 15,000 homes Michigan plans to spend $211 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to upgrade home energy efficiency, but faces a critical shortage of contractors, needing to recruit 330 more professionals to complete the statewide weatherization project. The state is offering training, bonuses, and opportunities to help combat climate change and reduce energy costs for lower-income households. Source: Bridge Michigan
Detroit and Saudi Arabia expand ai hub with shipping container data center Newlab at Michigan Central will install an Armada Galleon data center in Detroit and Riyadh, enabling AI testing for startups across both locations. The 20-foot unit supports real-time data processing and technology development, with plans to connect innovation ecosystems in Michigan and Saudi Arabia. Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
Newlab launches AI data centers in shipping containers in Detroit and Saudi Arabia Newlab at Michigan Central will install an Armada Galleon data center in Detroit and Riyadh, enabling AI testing for startups across both locations. The 20-foot unit supports real-time data processing and technology development, with plans to connect innovation ecosystems in Michigan and Saudi Arabia. Source: Crain’s Detroit Business