Michigan legislature passes bipartisan energy package

[GRDadof3]

The legislature came to an agreement this week for a 10% RPS (utility companies will be required to produce 10% of their energy from green sources):

Energy reforms approved, rates to increase

Michigan approves new energy plan

Many of the increases will be offset for most households by energy efficiency tax credits.

I think this might unleash a slew of jobs news over the next month or so.

In related news:

Michigan could receive $3.1 Billion from the Federal Government for Green Energy

including a possible $626 Million for mass transit.

[GRDadof3]

According to the state, Michigan residents and businesses use a little over 104,000 MW of electricity per year*. 10% of that would equal 10,400 MW per year in renewable/alternative energy.

*http://www.cis.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy/02summer/electric.htm

The two wind farms discussed for the Sparta area would produce about 50 MW each (meaning there's a lot more room for growth by 2015).

I also found this tidbit on the State's site. Customers and sales in "Green" electricity programs nearly tripled from 2006 to 2007 in Michigan (most of those Consumers Energy customers):

http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,1607,7-159-...8209---,00.html

[GaryP]

The bills will restrict competition to 10 percent of the sales of the state's two largest utilities, Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison. The system now allows for anyone

[GRDadof3]

The bills will restrict competition to 10 percent of the sales of the state's two largest utilities, Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison. The system now allows for anyone

[GRDadof3]

We're gonna need a lot more wind turbines!