Services and support for the clean energy transition

Services

Grand Haven Area Community Energy Plan

See how MEO and 5 Lakes Energy are leading an effort to determine the energy consumption and carbon footprint of the Grand Haven region!
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At Michigan Energy Options (MEO), we are dedicated to guiding communities towards realizing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy. MEO achieves this mission through three main approaches, including operating utility energy efficiency programs across the state, developing and implementing community-based renewables projects, and providing technical consulting and services. With a keen focus on providing practical, cost-effective solutions to complex energy issues, MEO works with for-profit and nonprofit partners to achieve greater collective impact. Since 2008, we have successfully implemented over 90 programs, making a positive impact on the communities, residents, and businesses we serve.

ENERGY PROGRAMS

MEO has a strong commitment to helping communities across the state of Michigan realize the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy. In recent years, our work in both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas has taken us to all 83 counties in the state.

With our partners, MEO operates a range of energy programs that help individuals, businesses, and communities adopt more sustainable practices. These programs are designed to address complex energy issues that communities face by providing practical, cost-effective solutions that help create long-lasting, positive change.

Since 2008, we have had the privilege of reaching more than 2 million people in Michigan through our programs. This has allowed us to make a significant impact on the economic, social, and environmental health of communities throughout the state. Our approach is centered on collaboration, and we work with a variety of partners, including non-profits, for-profits, utilities, and government agencies, to create the greatest collective impact possible.

Lansing Board of Water & Light
Since 2011, MEO has been delivering the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s (BWL) Hometown Energy Savers® residential “energy waste reduction” programs. Our work with the state’s largest municipal electric utility has been bringing electricity and dollar savings to BWL customers through programs such as financial incentives for high efficiency products, appliance recycling and low-income direct installs.
Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
MEO and our partners have been providing energy efficiency programming to utilities across the state since 2011.  Our team can provide everything from à la carte appliance  recycling and income qualified programs to a full suite of residential and commercial programs that include incentives for beneficial electrification, HVAC, renewable energy, energy audits, lighting, and more.

Community Projects

At MEO, we believe in the power of local solutions to drive positive change. We understand that there is a renewed interest in all things local – local economy, local foods, and local energy. Communities across the state are looking for ways to revitalize downtowns with thriving local businesses and food options, and to support local energy that is sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.

MEO is dedicated to helping communities achieve these goals through our expertise in driving projects that promote greater energy efficiency in buildings and increase the generation of renewable energy, such as solar power. We work closely with local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies to develop practical and cost-effective solutions that help communities meet their energy needs while supporting local economic growth.

Our commitment to local solutions extends to all areas of our work. We believe that by supporting local solutions, we can strengthen local economies and create more sustainable communities. By working with local partners, we can tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of each community we serve, ensuring that we are delivering the greatest impact possible.

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Community Solar
MEO offers community solar services that make solar energy accessible and affordable to individuals, businesses, and communities. Our East Lansing Community Solar Park project is Mid-Michigan’s first community solar park, with 1,000 solar panels generating clean, renewable energy. We handle project development, financing, construction, and maintenance to make the process hassle-free. Our commitment to community engagement and expertise in renewable energy allows us to customize solutions to meet each community’s needs.
Energy Planning
MEO’s holistic energy planning services are designed to help communities develop and implement sustainable energy strategies that reduce costs, promote energy efficiency, and increase the use of renewable energy sources. Our community-based approach means that we work closely with local leaders, stakeholders, and residents to identify and address the energy needs and goals of a community. We assess energy use and investigate efficiency measures and renewable energy options, such as solar and wind. Our goal is to empower communities to make informed decisions that benefit the environment and economy locally.
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Technical Consulting

MEO offers a range of technical consulting services to help clients make informed decisions about their energy use and efficiency. Our experienced team is well-versed in basic to highly technical energy audits of buildings, energy consumption studies and modeling, and renewables adoption. We are proud to have earned the highest level of certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for our headquarters in East Lansing, which reflects our commitment to sustainable building practices.

One of our specialties is solar energy, which is a complex and evolving technology requiring ongoing maintenance and management to ensure optimal performance. Our technical consulting services include real-time system monitoring and analytics, exceptional project management and decision-making, scheduled and unplanned maintenance protocols, and access to a network of trades such as electrical, landscaping, and mechanical professionals who can troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Whether you are a business owner, municipal leader, or community member, MEO’s technical consulting services can help you navigate the complexities of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and expertise to our clients, and we are committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions that benefit both communities and the environment. Please contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your energy goals.

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Renewables Feasibility Assessments
MEO offers comprehensive energy feasibility assessment services to organizations interested in integrating renewable energy into their operations. One recent success is our collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MEO and partners helped the DNR achieve its renewable energy goals by conducting a thorough solar feasibility study of dozens of DNR properties and facilities throughout the state, creating request for proposals (RFPs) for large-scale and distributed solar projects. Our renewables feasibility assessment services include site analysis, project development, energy modeling, and financial analysis to ensure that our clients have the information they need to make informed decisions about integrating renewable energy.
Project Management

MEO provides project management services for a variety of renewable energy projects. Our team works closely with clients to develop and implement comprehensive plans that ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Our services include project planning and scheduling, risk management, resource allocation, project monitoring and reporting, and ongoing operations and maintenance. Our team also helps clients navigate the regulatory landscape, identify financing options, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Whether you are looking to develop a single building project or a large solar farm, MEO has the expertise and resources to help you achieve your renewable energy goals.

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"MEO's expertise and project management were critical to the success of our renewable energy project. Their considered approach helped us to understand the complexities of integrating renewable energy, and ultimately led to a more impactful solution that exceeded our initial energy goals."
Brad Neumann

Senior Extension Educator
Michigan State University Extension

Brad Neumann is a Senior Extension Educator with Michigan State University. Brad is based in Marquette County and serves as an educational resource for local and tribal governments across the UP in the areas of land use and good governance. He has delivered local government education on siting and regulation of renewable energy systems since the state’s first renewable portfolio standard in 2008 and is coauthor of Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments. Brad is a member of the Michigan Association of Planning and the American Institute of Certified Planners. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission and the steering committee of the Marquette County Climate Adaptation Task Force. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Northern Michigan University with majors in Land Use Planning; and Economics, plus a Master’s of Science in Natural Resource Economics and Policy from the University of Maine.

Laura Chappelle, JD

Partner
Potomac Law Group

Laura Chappelle is a partner at the Potomac Law Group. Her practice focuses on regulatory and legal policy issues involving state and federal energy sectors. She has more than 25 years of experience in state, wholesale and regional energy issues. Laura previously served as a chairman and commissioner with the Michigan Public Service Commission from 2000–2007.  Prior to that, she was deputy legal counsel and regulatory policy advisor to Michigan Governor John Engler, assistant legal counsel for Michigan Speaker of the House Paul Hillegonds, and a regulatory policy advisor and legal counsel for both the Michigan House and Senate. 

Ms. Chappelle represents clients before the Michigan Public Service Commission, including energy suppliers and marketers, independent power producers, manufacturers, agricultural processors, public entities and institutions, and trade associations representing competitive power supply and business interests. She is also active in state energy matters in both PJM and MISO regions, as well as representing clients before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Laura is the proud parent of four children: two of whom are attorneys; one who recently graduated from law school; and her youngest, a junior at George Washington University, who is working as an intern with GWU’s Sustainability Department. Laura recently moved from mid-Michigan to Holland and is enjoying being close to the Lakeshore and exploring West Michigan.

Kait Wyckoff

Vice President of Program Operations
Collective Clean Energy Fund

Kait Wyckoff – Chief Programs Officer, Collective Clean Energy Fund

 

Kait Wyckoff is a sharp problem solver with a passion for untangling complexity and instilling order amidst chaos. As Chief Programs Officer at Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), Kait leads the organization’s program strategy and delivery, oversees day-to-day operations, streamlines processes, and ensures alignment between programs and strategic goals. Serving communities across EPA Region 8, CCEF is committed to promoting equitable access to clean energy solutions. Kait plays a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency, advancing innovative financing models such as on-bill repayment, fostering talent development, and enhancing stakeholder reporting to advance the fund’s mission and impact. In her role, Kait works closely with utilities, state and local governments, lenders, community-based organizations, and national partners to design and implement scalable, customer-centered clean energy programs.

Previously, as Director of Operations for Michigan Saves—the state’s pioneering nonprofit green bank—Kait streamlined operations and cultivated partnerships with private lenders to make energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements more accessible to Michigan residents and businesses. She also spearheaded projects like the National Green Energy Network, demonstrating her dedication to sustainability and community impact.

Kait thrives in dynamic environments, blending analytical prowess with collaborative problem-solving to drive meaningful change. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kait enjoys experimenting with new recipes, tackling home renovation projects, and spending quality time with her family in northern Michigan. 

Deb Dynako

Director of Partnership Development
Energy Infrastructure Partners

Deb Dynako serves as Director of Partnership Development at Energy Infrastructure Partners, where she leads strategic partnerships that advance large-scale energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives nationwide. With more than a decade of experience in the energy efficiency and carbon reduction sector, Deb brings a collaborative, relationship-centered approach to her work partnering with utilities, government agencies, community organizations, and industry leaders to move innovative, high-impact solutions from idea to implementation.

Recognized as a trusted collaborator and thoughtful leader, Deb connects partnership development, market strategy, and communications to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes. She is guided by a strong commitment to equitable energy efficiency and sustainability and is especially motivated by expanding access and benefits for historically disinvested communities. Deb is based in the Chicago area.
Phares A. Noel, PhD

President
Diversified Engineering Concepts, LLC

Dr. Phares A. Noel II is the President of Diversified Engineering Concepts, LLC, and is a seasoned engineering executive with over 30 years of both practical and theoretical experience in the field of both systems engineering and automation across various areas ranging from electrical power generation to automotive manufacturing. Having spent the last 20 years of his career in the automotive sector, Phares has been involved in all aspects of design and installation of automated manufacturing systems as well as the CAX tools that support them.

Phares is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Oakland University, Rochester, MI., as well as a member of the Board of Advisers for software firm GrafiCalc of San Jose, California. In addition, he is also a member of The Center for Understanding Change (C4UC), a research think tank focused on the application of system dynamic modeling and simulation in the area of risk mitigation for global enterprises and critical infrastructure. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer registered in the States of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Florida. He also holds certifications as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and a Certified Demand Side Manager (CDM). Phares lives in southeast Michigan.

Clara Guggemos

Community Energy Specialist

Clara joined MEO in August 2021 and currently works as the Community Energy Specialist for the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s Hometown Energy Savers program. Clara is pursuing degrees in energy management and building construction through the Lansing Community College Alternative Energy Program. In their free time, Clara enjoys embroidering, mountain biking, and kayaking.

Kimberly Sterner

Program Support Specialist

Kimberly joined MEO in 2022 and currently serves as the Program Support Specialist. Kimberly is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Prior to joining MEO, she worked on programs that assisted low-income individuals in finding necessary local resources. In her free-time, Kim enjoys hiking, landscaping, and spending time around animals.

Nicki Rossi

Program Support Specialist

Nicki joined MEO in October of 2022 and currently serves as the Program Support Specialist.  She feels her position is allowing her to give back in a small way to the community and the environment.  Nicki previously spent 14 years in Property Management as a Multi-Site Community Manager and then went on to work in senior home care, providing care and companionship to elderly clients.  She enjoys being up north with her family and two dogs.  Her northern home allows her to enjoy all that nature provides: bird watching, kayaking, leisurely walks on wooded trails, and, of course, lake life.

Bob Tinker
Technical Energy Consultant

Bob Tinker is a long-time supporter of Michigan Energy Options and a technical consultant for our commercial energy services. Bob is a registered architect in the State of Michigan specializing in energy efficient building design, construction and operations—including the use of solar energy in buildings. He has been partner and president in two architectural firms over his career. Tinker Energy, Bob’s current business, provides commercial energy audits for government and utility programs. Bob maintains a daily yoga and meditation practice to keep his personal energy tuned and focused.

More about Bob at LinkedIn

Lauren Chapman
Program Coordinator

Lauren joined MEO in May 2019 and currently serves as Program Coordinator for the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s (BWL) Hometown Energy Savers program. Lauren primarily runs the High Efficiency Products rebate program for both BWL and the Upper Peninsula’s Energy Innovations Collaborative program. In their free time, Lauren enjoys reading, board games, horror movies, and spending time outdoors.

Angela Marez

Program Manager

Angela joined MEO in 2021 and serves as a Program Manager for Energy Smart, Energy Optimization, and the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s Hometown Energy Savers. Prior to joining MEO, she served as a multi-family Property Manager with experience in tax-credit and low-income programs.  In her free time, Angela enjoys camping, gardening, and raising Monarch butterflies.

Brandon Kawalec
Program Manager

Brandon Kawalec joined MEO in 2015 and currently manages the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s Hometown Energy Savers residential programs. Brandon is a Michigan State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Agriscience. Brandon enjoys bicycling, tennis and golf in his free time.

Michael Larson
Assistant Director

Michael J. Larson oversees the daily operations of Michigan Energy Options and manages projects across the state. Michael’s duties include clean energy consulting, oversight of utility energy waste reduction programs, and leading MEO’s community engagement on energy issues in the U.P. Michael has a Master of Public Administration and has been working with MEO since 2011. He currently serves as a Commissioner for the City of Marquette and as a board member for Michigan Saves, a nonprofit green bank.

More about Michael at LinkedIn

John A. Kinch, PhD
Executive Director

John A. Kinch, PhD, directs the strategic and daily operations of Michigan Energy Options emphasizing innovative and collaborative projects between the public and private sectors. Kinch is a US Department of Energy SunShot advisor and a municipal-certified solar expert by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He has served on numerous nonprofit and governmental boards, including being chair of the City of East Lansing Commission on the Environment, a member of the Michigan Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards, a Vice President on the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association board and on advisory board for Highland Carbon. Kinch has volunteered at the Grand Rapids Community Food Club, among other social service organizations. He served as the inaugural “Executive in Residence” at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business in 2022 and continues to guest lecture and teach. He has most recently been appointed to the Grand Haven Sustainability and Energy Commission.

More about John at LinkedIn

Chuck Hookham

President
Arbor Consultants, PC

Chuck Hookham, PE, is president of Arbor Consultants, PC in Ann Arbor, with over 40 years experience in the Power and Energy sector ranging from design and construction of all forms of generation through transmission and distribution planning, energy storage, siting/permitting, and operations and maintenance in multiple continents. He has been involved locally in utility-scale wind and solar PV projects throughout Michigan, was involved in Fermi II design/commissioning, and led the conversion of a wind farm to USA’s third wind/solar/battery hybrid, as well as managing multiple microgrid, distributed energy, and cogeneration facilities. He is an engineering graduate of the University of Illinois, has an MBA, and completed other post-graduate work in the energy space. Current projects include decarbonization of buildings and expansion of renewable energy/storage applications.

Jen Tucker
Senior Community Development Manger Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Jen serves the Upper Peninsula as the Community Development Manager at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  With over 12 years of experience working in community development in the UP, and over 19 years of experience as a snow shoveling resident of the region, she works to achieve Yooper status.  She is armed with experience working at the local, county and state level, and has enjoyed a wide variety of other professional opportunities including wildland firefighting, instructing earth science courses, fundraising, and event planning. Jen attended Northern Michigan University for Environmental Conservation and Eastern Michigan University for Urban and Regional Planning. Jen spends most of her free time outside in the Great Lakes State, playing with her dog Peete, watching football, and working on her house. Her passion for music and cooking keep her thinking creatively and trying new things in all aspects of her life.

Kris Spaulding

Program Director
Northern Initiatives

Kris Spaulding is Program Director at Northern Initiatives, a Michigan-based CDFI dedicated to supporting small businesses across the state. She leads the development of a climate lending program designed to expand access to clean energy technologies in rural and low-income communities.

As co-owner of Brewery Vivant and Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits, Kris brings an entrepreneurial perspective to her community development work. Before launching the first LEED-certified brewery in 2010, she worked on Herman Miller’s Design for Environment team, ensuring products met rigorous environmental standards.

Kris holds a BS in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Grand Valley State University. When she’s not building climate resilience in Michigan communities, she is most likely found laughing with her family, reading, cooking, or running.

Mary Ellen Mika

Director of Global Compliance and Sustainability
Steelcase Inc.

Mary Ellen Mika is Director of Global Compliance & Sustainability for Steelcase Inc., the global leader in the office furniture industry. She leads a team responsible for the company’s energy, renewable energy, and climate change response strategies including the development of science-based targets for greenhouse gas emissions; managing compliance with environmental regulatory requirements for products, facilities, and operations including implementation of the company’s ISO 14001 environmental management system and addressing environmental due diligence for potential acquisitions; pursuing product certifications for sustainability and indoor air quality; tracking and reporting waste, water, energy, recycling and composting efforts and setting goals for continuous improvement. Mary Ellen is a LEED-accredited professional and recently served on the Materials and Resources Technical Advisory Group for U.S. Green Building Council. She has a B.S. in Biochemistry, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and over thirty years of experience in environmental consulting and industry.

Dr. Jessica Thompson
Associate Professor Northern Michigan University

Jes Thompson teaches courses in environmental communication and public relations. She is a trained facilitator and earned a graduate certificate in Adaptive Management of Environmental Systems at the University of Utah, where she earned an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in environmental communication. Her research is focused on communication about complex ecological issues, including climate change (check out her TEDx talk). Recent research projects include working with interdisciplinary teams studying climate resilience in Mongolia, ecosystem services in the Gulf of Mexico, and building communication capacity for climate change engagement at National Parks and USFWS Wildlife Refuges across the US.

Nathalie Osborn
Chief Energizer Positively Powered Professional Development

With a passion for connecting people, performance, and purpose, Nathalie Osborn draws on an accomplished career in consultative sales, strategic program design, and culture transformation to energize individuals and organizations. A self-described “fun-loving enginerd” who blends who blends technical expertise with a dynamic, people-centered approach to elevate leadership, boost productivity, and amplify employee engagement to spark lasting change.She has supported the successful implementation of over $500M in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives—translating technical expertise into meaningful impact.

As co-author of Ignite Your Leadership, Nathalie is also a sought-after speaker and facilitator who empowers professionals to recharge their leadership, realign with their values, and lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

Abby Corso
Chief Program Officer Elevate Energy

Abigail is the Chief Strategy Officer at Elevate Energy, located in Chicago, Illinois. In this role, she oversees Elevate’s strategy in developing new programs nationwide from energy efficiency, solar, and planning including building up Elevate’s existing dynamic pricing and flagship multifamily building retrofit programs. Prior to this role, she served as Chief Program Officer and Director of New Market Initiatives, and was responsible for expanding Elevate’s affordable multifamily energy efficiency programs into new markets outside of the Chicago region including Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Oregon. Prior to joining Elevate Energy in 2012, Abigail was a Managing Director at the Delta Institute where she managed Delta’s sustainability consulting and industrial pollution prevention and energy efficiency program areas which included developing energy efficiency loan products for various Midwest initiatives.

Nick Occhipinti

Affairs Director
Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Nick Occhipinti is the State Government Affairs Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.  Nick has a broad range of environmental policy experience having served as the Policy and Community Activism Director for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), worked as a staffer for the Chair of Hawaii’s State Senate Energy and Environment Committee, in Lansing for the Granholm administration, and at the Rocky Mountain Institute.  He has also worked directly in communities as a field organizer for the Obama campaign in 2008 and as a Corps Member for AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in Public Policy.

Todd Parker
Director of Programs Michigan Saves

Todd Parker is the customer service manager for Michigan Saves, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit organization managed by Public Sector Consultants whose mission is to stimulate and support investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy systems in homes, businesses, and public buildings. He assists homeowners and business owners, oversees a network of authorized contractors, supports new program development and operational management, evaluates and improves quality assurance efforts, and analyzes data on loan trends. Todd wants people to spend as little money as possible on energy, so that they can spend money on the things that truly matter – family, experiences, personal well-being. Todd is a proud alumnus of Michigan State University and the Vermont Law School.