GRAND HAVEN, MICH., – The Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP) has added 2.2 Mega-Watts (MW) to its sustainable energy portfolio today as Brandt Woods Solar, a solar array in Calhoun 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 528 homes per year in the community. AES, a leading renewable energy developer and global energy company, developed the project.
“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.”
The Grand Haven BLP joined with 12 other public power utility providers across the state on a combined 25 MW power purchase agreement through MPPA. Solar development can often take several years for contracting, land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and site development. Grand Haven BLP first signed on for the project in 2021, and the project reached commercial operation on March 19, 2025.
“Brandt Woods solar is another example of MPPA members making long-term commitments to get new renewable resources built in Michigan,” said Patrick Bowland, CEO & general manager of MPPA. “We appreciate the efforts of AES in bringing this impressive project to commercial operation.”
The announcement comes as utilities across the state strive to meet or exceed Michigan’s aggressive renewable energy standards established under recently passed clean energy legislation. Through layering multiple, shared investments such as Brandt Woods Solar, MPPA works with utility providers like the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power to build resources to meet those goals.
Chairman of the Board Mike Westbrook stated, “Our community has now made considerable investments in renewable energy over the past decade with our power purchase commitments in solar, landfill gas and wind power projects. We are well positioned to meet the renewable energy mandates from the State and the Brandt Woods Solar Project is an excellent addition to our power supply portfolio.”
About the BLP
The Board of Light and Power provides reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for the approximately 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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