Livingston County, MI — Solar Development Risk Assessment

No Moratorium

Livingston County: no county-wide CREO adopted (hence PA 233 MPSC process applies for 50+ MW). Township-level ordinances exist; Headland Solar developer bypassed townships via MPSC. MPSC case-specific setbacks will govern Headland Solar. Sub-50 MW projects: township zoning applies.

Livingston County/Township: CUP in applicable zoning district (sub-50 MW). ≥50 MW subject to MPSC siting unless CREO adopted.

Conservative-leaning suburban; community opposition to Headland Solar; PA 233 test case creates uncertainty

Growing Detroit suburb; Headland Solar 220 MW project is first PA 233 MPSC case (Mar 2025 status); communities rushing CREO adoption; high-profile case

Stable

PA 233 of 2023 (HB 5120) — effective Nov 29, 2024: MPSC has siting authority for solar ≥50 MW, wind ≥100 MW, storage ≥50 MW / 200 MWh, unless affected local unit has adopted a Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO) meeting state setback/height minimums. If CREO in place, developer must use local process; if no CREO or CREO is more restrictive than PA 233, developer may go directly to MPSC. MPSC may overrule local denial; if it does, local unit loses CREO status for future projects. 21 minimal conditions apply to all MPSC-approved projects (fencing, acoustics, decommissioning bond, etc.). As of Mar 2026, multiple townships and counties have sued MPSC challenging PA 233 implementation. Projects <50 MW solar / <100 MW wind: local CUP/SUP process governs under township/county zoning. MISO interconnection required. Most of MI in MISO; SE corner (Lenawee, Monroe, parts of Wayne) in PJM via AEP.

Michigan Renewable Energy Standard (PA 295/PA 342): 15% by 2021 (met); Michigan EGLE: state agency oversees environmental permitting for solar under MI PA 233 (2023) and PA 235 (2023). MI PA 233/235 (enacted Nov 2023): new state preemption for solar ≥50 MW — county renewable energy overlay or state MPSC review. Net metering: PA 235 of 2023 raised DG cap to 10% of utility peak load; DTE Energy, Consumers Energy offer net metering programs. MI EGLE grants: Community Resilience Grant for local solar/storage. Utility: DTE Energy serves SE MI/Detroit metro; Consumers Energy serves mid-Michigan; Upper Peninsula Power (UPPCO) serves some UP areas; various electric cooperatives rural.

Solar development limited due to township opposition. MPSC PA 233 PROCEEDING (Headland Solar, Ranger Power): Developer filed with MPSC after Livingston County townships refused to adopt CREO. MPSC proceeding ongoing as of 2025. Source: Bridge Michigan May 15 2025; Detroit News Jan 9 2025

TOWNSHIP REFUSAL / MPSC FORCED: Livingston County townships refused to adopt Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO). Developer Ranger Power forced to use MPSC PA 233 siting track for Headland Solar (220 MW). County Commission passed resolution opposing PA 233 state preemption. HB 4027/4028 (2025 MI Legislature) introduced in part to address Livingston-type opposition — DIED in Senate. MPSC proceeding ongoing — townships have no veto under PA 233 without CREO adoption. Source: Bridge Michigan bridgemi.com May 15 2025