LANSING — Michigan’s renewable energy standard remains intact despite comments in a recent federal court ruling about where energy is generated.
At issue in Illinois Commerce Commission v. FERC is how to pay for transmission line upgrades to integrate renewable energy into the Midwestern Independent System Operator grid. Wanting to charge utilities based on each state’s energy consumption, the Midwestern Independent System Operator was challenged in the 7th Circuit Court by states, including Michigan.
“Michigan’s 10-percent renewable energy standard is still the law of the land, and our major utilities are on track to meeting that standard,” Sue Browne said, regional program manager for the BlueGreen Alliance. “Michigan’s renewable energy standard has created jobs for Michigan workers, sparked new businesses in our state and contributed to economic growth in many local communities. Our coalition believes the renewable energy standard has been a success story for Michigan that should continue past 2015.”
Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs, a bipartisan coalition of Michigan businesses, health professionals, labor unions, academics and scientists, agricultural and rural voices, faith leaders, environmental and conservation groups and more, supports increasing Michigan’s renewable energy and energy efficiency use because of the economic benefits to the state.
“Just last week, DTE proposed a dramatic reduction to its renewable energy surcharge because of massive improvements in technology,” Sue Smith said, president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan. “This $90-million reduction in customer bills is just further proof that renewable energy generated in Michigan is cost competitive and helping to rein in rising energy prices for Michigan families and businesses.”
More information about Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs can be found at www.mienergymijobs.com.
Follow the coalition on Twitter @MIEnergyMIJobs or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MIEnergyMIJobs.
