GRAND HAVEN, MICH., – The Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP) has added another 4.32 megawatts (MW) to its sustainable energy portfolio as Hart Solar, a solar array in Oceana County, entered into commercial operation. In partnership with the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), the Grand Haven BLP contracted for enough energy to power about 738 homes per year in the community.
“This new development is the sixth solar project in the BLP’s power supply portfolio,” said Rob Shelley, BLP general manager. “Our community has made considerable investments in renewable energy over the past decade where we have now reached 34 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. This includes 23 MW of solar, 8 MW of wind, and 3 MW of landfill gas. Considering our average load at the BLP in 2025 was only 32 MW, we have reached an important milestone. Our strategy has been to make incremental investments across many different renewable energy projects to control risk and protect our customers. Renewable resources play an important role in a diversified power supply portfolio, but it’s important to remember that they must also be balanced with electric generating resources that can meet demand when renewable generation is not available.”
The Grand Haven BLP joined with thirteen other public power utility providers across the state on a combined 50 MW power purchase agreement through MPPA.
“Hart Solar reflects MPPA’s long-term commitment to helping our Members secure reliable, cost-effective and carbon-free power supply resources that strengthen and diversify their power supply portfolios,” said Patrick Bowland, CEO & General Manager at MPPA. “Through joint action, public power communities of all sizes can share in the economies of scale needed to make utility-scale renewable projects like Hart Solar a practical, long-term resource for the customers and communities they serve.”
Board Chairman Mike Westbrook said, “Our community can take a lot of pride in our BLP which has reduced local carbon emissions from power generation by over 70% from peak levels. We are well positioned to meet the upcoming renewable energy mandates from the State, and the Hart 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 not-for-profit 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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