Michigan Public Power Agency adds 25MW of solar capacity in Calhoun County, supporting 6,000 homes and advancing the state’s renewable energy targets.

The Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) has officially launched a 25-megawatt (MW) power purchase agreement for its stake in the Brandt Woods solar project in Calhoun County. The AES developed project is expected to supply enough electricity to power approximately 6,000 homes annually, reinforcing Michigan’s growing renewable energy infrastructure.

The new solar capacity is part of a larger 125MW initiative at Brandt Woods, designed to meet Michigan’s ambitious clean energy benchmarks. Patrick Bowland, CEO and general manager of MPPA, emphasized the commitment of municipal utilities in advancing renewable energy: “Brandt Woods solar is another example of MPPA members making long-term commitments to get new renewable resources built in Michigan. The Brandt Woods solar facility aligns with MPPA’s continued commitment to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for residents and businesses throughout Michigan.”

Out of MPPA’s 22 municipal member utilities, 13 will receive solar-generated power from this new agreement. These municipal utilities collectively serve tens of thousands of Michigan residents and small businesses, providing cost-effective and reliable public power. The project is expected to help stabilize long-term electricity costs while supporting Michigan’s clean energy mandates.

Brandt Woods is notable not only for its scale but for its environmental integration. AES incorporated pollinator-friendly native species as part of the site’s ground cover, aiming to improve local ecosystems and support agriculture by enhancing the health of bee and insect populations.

The Grand Haven Board of Light & Power added 2.2 megawatts to its sustainable energy portfolio as Brandt Woods Solar entered into commercial operation, the Michigan public power utility reported on April 9. In partnership with MPPA, the Grand Haven BLP contracted for enough energy to power about 528 homes per year in the community.
 
“This new development is the fourth solar project in the BLP’s power supply portfolio,” stated Rob Shelley, BLP general manager. “We have also made commitments for two upcoming solar projects that are scheduled for completion at the end of 2025 and 2026, respectively. Our strategy continues to be making incremental investments across many different renewable energy projects to control risk and protect our customers. As we continue building this renewable energy portfolio, we are doing so in balance with reliability and affordability.”

Grand Haven BLP first signed on for the project in 2021, and the project reached commercial operation on March 19, 2025.

The announcement comes as Michigan utilities work to comply with recently enacted clean energy legislation, which raises renewable energy standards across the state. Michigan aims to significantly boost renewable energy use in the coming years, with many municipalities stepping up investment in solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies.

The announcement comes as Michigan utilities work to comply with recently enacted clean energy legislation, which raises renewable energy standards across the state. Michigan aims to significantly boost renewable energy use in the coming years, with many municipalities stepping up investment in solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies.

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), renewable energy accounted for more than 12% of the state’s net electricity generation in recent years, and solar is expected to play a growing role as utilities diversify their power portfolios (EGLE, https://www.michigan.gov/egle).

AES, a major global energy company, has underscored its commitment to local community partnerships and environmental stewardship. The Brandt Woods facility exemplifies this approach, balancing large-scale energy production with environmental care.

AES has faced challenges typical of solar development—including land use concerns and grid integration—but the company has sought to address these issues by prioritizing community input and ecological safeguards. In this project, efforts to enhance pollinator habitats have drawn praise from local agricultural stakeholders.

For consumers in Michigan, the long-term effect of projects like Brandt Woods is expected to be a more stable and diversified power supply. With rising energy costs and climate concerns, energy experts and policymakers alike view expanding renewable options as essential.

MPPA’s strategy of pooling resources among municipal members allows smaller utilities to participate in large-scale projects that would be out of reach individually. This joint-action model is increasingly seen as a smart path forward for community-based energy systems.

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