Waste cut, renewable energy grows, state says

Nearly 1.5 million megawatt hours of electricity and nearly 5 million cubic feet of natural gas were saved statewide in 2018 through waste reduction efforts, and renewable energy production continued to grow in the state, according to a new report from the Michigan Public Service Commission.

The utility regulator said more than $300 million was spent on waste-reduction programs in 2018. Those efforts are expected to save Michiganders about $1.1 billion in utility costs over the next 12 years.

Meanwhile, the state had some 3,100 megawatts of renewable energy capacity last year, the Public Service Commission said, about 70% of it from wind turbines.

Calcite Credit Union gave $32K last year

Calcite Credit Union donated more than $32,000 in 2019 to groups such as Friends Together, Helping Hands, Relay for Life, Operation Holidays, Hope shores Alliance, and more, the credit union said in a news release.

Money was raised through hot dog and bake sales, the credit union’s annual dance party, and other efforts.

DTE spends $2.1B with Michigan businesses

DTE Energy spent $2.1 billion on Michigan businesses in 2019, the utility said in a news release.

That includes $41 million spent at 160 companies across Northeast and Northwest Michigan, the utility said. That investment contributed to 187 jobs across the region, the utility said.

Retailers report strong January sales

The January Retail Index survey revealed a score of 72.5, the Michigan Retailers Association said in a news release, way up from January 2019’s 42.1 and up from December’s 60.

A score above 50 is generally a sign of a strong retail sector, the association said. The index is a 100-point scale.

“It’s great to start the year on a positive note,” William Hallan, President and CEO of the association, said in a statement. “It’s partly due to the fact that we’ve seen a mild winter so far in 2020. Last year, retailers were dealing with the polar vortex, which shut down many businesses across the state for days at a time.”

Enbridge gives $25K to Industrial Arts Institute

The welder and training module equipment at the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway will be modernized with a $25,000 grant from Enbridge Inc., the institute said in a news release.

“We are proud to partner with Enbridge to connect students with workforce training opportunities,” institute Executive Director Mark Dombrosk said in a statement. “These are the students who will help meet the evolving needs of the region’s welding & manufacturing industry.”