On February 8, 2010, the Michigan Public Service Commission issued an order approving $1.6 million in Michigan Energy Efficiency grants, $1.3 million of which will go to Grand Valley State University, Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, in partnership with the University of Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute to conduct and/or perform studies to explore the feasibility of deployment of offshore wind technologies in Michigan.

The grants are part of the Low‑Income and Energy Efficiency Fund, which provides energy bill assistance for low‑income customers and promotes the efficient use of energy by all customer classes.