Volts Ann Arbor's experiment with a new kind of utility
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Jul 23, 2025 Missy Stults, Ann Arbor's Director of Sustainability and Innovations, is championing a groundbreaking municipal utility focused on renewable energy. She discusses the intricacies of creating a Sustainable Energy Utility, including the collaboration with DTE and innovative funding strategies. Topics dive into challenges like outdated infrastructure and balancing community needs with sustainable practices. Stults also highlights the importance of community involvement and the potential impacts of these initiatives on wider energy policy and climate goals.
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Community Energy Priorities
- Over 80% of Ann Arbor residents want reliable power, resilient power, affordability, and clean energy, regardless of demographic differences.
- The city’s educated population strongly accepts climate change and demands clean, resilient energy solutions.
Start Utility with Existing Solar
- Start new utilities by acquiring existing renewable assets from big users to establish revenue quickly.
- This approach reduces initial costs and complexity before scaling to residential customers.
On-Bill Financing for Upgrades
- Use on-bill financing to help customers pay for energy efficiency and solar upgrades gradually.
- Combine federal, state, and utility rebates to lower upfront costs for residents.