Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – The Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP) has expanded its renewable energy portfolio by adding 2.15 megawatts (MW) from the White Tail Solar project in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The solar array is now in commercial operation and is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 520 homes annually in the Grand Haven community.
The project was developed in partnership with the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA). Through MPPA, BLP joined 13 other public power utilities across the state in a combined 25 MW power purchase agreement.
BLP General Manager Rob Shelley said the new installation marks the utility’s fifth solar project and reflects a strategy of making incremental investments across a diverse mix of renewable energy resources to manage risk while maintaining reliability and affordability. He also noted that another solar project is underway and is expected to be completed near the end of 2026.
“White Tail Solar continues our commitment to helping Members diversify their power supply portfolios and stay ahead of regulatory requirements,” said Patrick Bowland, executive director at MPPA. “Through joint action, we bring projects like this to life and celebrate how communities of all sizes benefit.”
The announcement comes as utilities across the state strive to meet Michigan’s aggressive renewable energy standards from recent legislation. Through layering multiple, shared investments such as White Tail Solar, MPPA works with utility providers like the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power to build resources to meet those goals.
Board Chairman Mike Westbrook said, “Our community has made considerable investments in renewable energy over the past decade with our power purchase commitments in solar, landfill gas and wind power projects. We have a lot to be proud of in our BLP by reducing local carbon emissions from power generation by over 70% from peak levels. We are well positioned to meet the renewable energy mandates from the State, and the White Tail Solar Project is another excellent addition to our power supply portfolio.”
About the BLP
The Board of Light and Power provides reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for over 15,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the City of Grand Haven, City of Ferrysburg, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Robinson Townships.
About MPPA
Founded in 1978, Michigan Public Power Agency is a municipal power joint action agency. MPPA was formed to undertake the planning, financing, development, acquisition, construction, improvement, operation, and maintenance of energy projects to share supply and related services to lower cost, reduce risk, and leverage expertise for the benefit of its Public Power Utility Members. More at https://mpower.org.
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