New Energy Legislation from Senators Nofs and Proos

As our leaders in Lansing work to create new energy policy to strengthen and secure Michigan’s energy future, two new bills from Senators Nofs and Proos have the potential to change the legislative landscape.

The Alliance for Michigan Power is hopeful that our elected officials—in the House, Senate, and Snyder Administration—will work together to synthesize their varying energy plans into a comprehensive energy policy that ensures Michigan is able to determine its own energy future once again.

Off to a Good Start

While it may not be a perfect bill, the legislation from Senator Nofs and Proos accomplishes a few key goals that AMP believes will be critical in securing Michigan’s energy future:

• Holding energy “choice” providers accountable. While Senator Nofs’ bill doesn’t put an end to Michigan’s partially deregulated electric market (the 10 percent cap would remain), it does make it clear that out-of-state energy providers should be responsible and accountable for planning for the long-term energy needs of their Michigan customers. That will allow Michigan to more effectively address our capacity shortfall and future generation needs.
• Ensuring all Michigan consumers are treated fairly. Senator Nofs’ legislation would ensure that all Michiganders are paying their fair share for supporting our electric grid. Currently, our partially deregulated electric market has burdened traditional power customers with an additional $1.6 billion in costs. This approach is unfair and unsustainable. By ensuring all customers—whether they purchase their power from a local energy provider or out-of-state energy company—are supporting our state’s energy infrastructure, we can ensure access, reliability, and fairness for all Michiganders.
• Incorporating renewable energy smartly. Senator Proos’ proposals calls for eliminating mandates on renewable energy sources and instead, using Integrated Resource Plans to help integrate renewables. Because renewable energy sources have become more competitive from a cost perspective, Senator Proos believes it’s no longer necessary to enforce arbitrary mandates that create an artificial market for renewables. This approach will enable Michigan to incorporate greater use of renewables in a more flexible, responsible way that doesn’t undermine reliability or raise costs.

What Happens Next

Now that our legislators in Lansing have a few different options on the table, it is our hope they will work together to create a comprehensive energy policy that allows us to take charge of our energy future.

Over the coming weeks and months, lawmakers will continue to debate and refine their various proposals. Stay tuned, because we will need to make our voices heard soon to urge Lansing to take the best of each proposal and secure Michigan’s energy future.

What do you think about the latest energy development in Lansing? Let us know today!