GRAND HAVEN, MICH., February 16, 2026 – The Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP) has added another 2.15 megawatts (MW) to its sustainable energy portfolio as White Tail Solar, a solar array in Washtenaw 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 520 homes per year in the community.
“This new development is the fifth solar project in the BLP’s power supply portfolio,” said Rob Shelley, BLP general manager. “Our strategy has been to make 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 mindful to balance it with reliability and affordability. To that end, we have another solar project also in the works, slated for completion near the end of 2026.”
The Grand Haven BLP joined with thirteen other public power utility providers across the state on a combined 25 MW power purchase agreement through MPPA.
“White Tail Solar continues our commitment to helping Members diversify their power supply portfolios and stay ahead of regulatory requirements,” said Patrick Bowland, executive director at MPPA. “Through joint action, we bring projects like this to life and celebrate how communities of all sizes benefit.”
The announcement comes as utilities across the state strive to meet Michigan’s aggressive renewable energy standards from recent legislation. Through layering multiple, shared investments such as White Tail Solar, MPPA works with utility providers like the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power to build resources to meet those goals.
Board Chairman Mike Westbrook said, “Our community has made considerable investments in renewable energy over the past decade with our power purchase commitments in solar, landfill gas and wind power projects. We have a lot to be proud of in our BLP by reducing local carbon emissions from power generation by over 70% from peak levels. We are well positioned to meet the renewable energy mandates from the State, and the White Tail 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 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.
