The Metro: With $156 million solar program axed, what’s Michigan’s path forward?
Oakland County Commissioner Chair Dave Woodward weighs in on whether Michigan can still cut energy costs and grow clean power without federal dollars.
The end of Solar for All means Michigan families will wait longer for lower bills and clean energy upgrades.
Last week, the lights went dim on a renewable energy program with big promise for the planet and your pocketbook.
Michigan was set to receive $156 million from Solar for All.
The money would have helped low-income households add rooftop or community solar, paid for battery storage and basic upgrades like panels, wiring, or roof work, and funded workforce training and community outreach. Households were projected to save about 20% on electric bills—roughly $400 annually.
The Environmental Protection Agency terminated the $7 billion program after Congress rescinded the funds via President Trump’s new tax-and-spending law. Lawmakers are contesting the move, but for now, projects are paused, and families who expected relief from high energy bills will keep waiting.
Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward has supported local solutions that lower residents’ costs and give businesses tools to adopt renewable energy. He joined Robyn Vincent to discuss what a real path forward could look like in the absence of federal support.
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