Utility-scale solar project in Alcona County in limbo
Gustin Township denies special use permit
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ALPENA -- Gustin Township in Alcona County denied a special use permit on Aug. 6 which would have allowed the construction of a utility-scale solar operation. This denial is one part of a three part plan that would give Consumers Energy the green light to install a solar panel operation which would span nearly 4,000 acres of farmland across Gustin and Harrisville townships.
Though the special use permit in Gustin Township was denied, Harrisville Township will vote on the permit request in October. The question remains if the state will override the township's ruling and push for the project to move forward.
In total, the utility-scale solar operation is proposed to span 3,985.6 acres, and 2,684.2 acres is proposed to be used for solar facilities. Within the proposal, 35.1 acres of tree clearing will take place; 138.4 acres will be developed; 1,266.9 acres will be within fence lines; 1,371 acres will be within the limits of disturbance.
Per the proposal, "disturbance" is defined as "earth-disturbing activity, such as earthwork and installation of roads and staging areas."
Property owners in Gustin Township have already signed on for leases for thirty year terms.
For the project to move forward, both Harrisville Township and Gustin Township have to approve special use permits. Gustin approved a special use permit in 2024 for the project when it was called Sapling Solar, proposed by Ranger Power. Consumers Energy announced the acquisition and further development of the project in September 2025.
The challenge for Consumers Energy is to get approval from planning commissions in those townships for the project's expansion.
According to a Consumers Energy press release from September 2025, construction was anticipated to start in mid-2026 with a goal to start operations by July 2029.
The release stated that the Gustin Solar project is anticipated to generate 335 megawatts of energy, enough to power about 60,000 homes.
Adam Brege, Gustin Township zoning administrator, said that township leadership could not comment on the permit denial until they consult with their legal team. He said the next steps for Gustin Township is dependent on how Consumers Energy responds to the permit denial.
"We are waiting to hear the response from Consumers to decide how to move forward," he said via text message.
State Representative Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, expressed his concerns regarding the project and the potential impacts on the agriculture economy in Alcona County.
"I have serious concerns about the size of this proposal and the lasting impact it could have on Gustin Township and Alcona County," he said in an email. "Productive agricultural land is one of our region’s most valuable resources, supporting local farmers, contributing to our economy, and preserving the rural character that defines Northeast Michigan. Once farmland is taken out of production for a project of this scale, it may remain unavailable for agriculture for decades, fundamentally changing the landscape and way of life for future generations."
Not only is Cavitt concerned about the agriculture value of the region, but also how a utility-scale solar operation could affect property values.
"As a licensed Realtor, I am also concerned about the potential impact on surrounding property values," he added. "Additionally, many residents rely on private wells, and a project of this scale raises legitimate concerns about protecting groundwater and other natural resources."
Cavitt explained that Public Act 233 "stripped local governments of much of their authority over large-scale energy projects, which is why I voted against it."
"Local zoning ordinances exist to reflect the priorities of the communities they serve," he added. "The people of Gustin Township deserve to decide what is best for their own community."
The next meeting for Harrisville Township's planning commission will take place on Oct. 7 at the Harrisville Township Hall.
WHY SOLAR POWER
In 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 271, sponsored by Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), which established a 100% clean energy standard for Michigan, according to a 2023 press release from Whitmer's office.
By 2040, Michigan has to produce all its energy from clean sources. By 2030, Michigan has to produce 50% of its energy from renewable sources and 60% from renewables by 2035.
"The new clean energy standard will protect Michigan's air, land, and water for future generations," the release stated. "It will drive down costs for consumers while reducing the state's reliance on foreign fuel and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs along the way."
Whitmer also signed a number of other clean energy legislation that same year.
House Bill 5120, sponsored by Representative Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), and House Bill 5121, sponsored by Representative Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), authorized the Michigan Public Service Commission to streamline permitting of utility-scale clean energy.
Senate Bill 502, sponsored by Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township), authorized the MPSC to consider "climate and equity in their regulatory decisions."
Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.