MT. PLEASANT — Major Michigan utility provider DTE Energy held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday in Isabella County.
As part of the Whitmer administration’s goal to get to 60% clean energy by 2035, the project will add nearly 350,000 solar panels which will help power about 38,000 homes.
DTE said the project will also have numerous benefits for the community including 300 construction jobs, landowner incentives for farmers and more.
“A lot of tax revenues will come to the community and there were some grants available that were able to help Isabella County and Isabella Township, that will be an immediate shot into the arm of their local revenues where they can use for schools, fire, police, any place they see fit,” said Joe Musallam, vice president of renewable energy.
DTE said the benefits of clean energy include enhanced reliability, reduced carbon emissions, increased energy independence and better energy security, all while making energy more affordable for customers.
According to DTE, the project is fully funded by the MIGreenPower program and will not increase prices for their customers.