State regulators on Thursday took the first steps toward implementing newly enacted energy laws in Michigan that will require the state to beef up energy efficiency measures and produce more electricity from renewable sources.
The moves by the Michigan Public Service Commission were required as part of a package of energy legislation that Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed in October. The new laws established new energy efficiency benchmarks for utilities and will require the state to obtain 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015.
The MPSC created an 11-member Wind Energy Resource Zone board tasked with issuing a report on the potential for wind energy production and the availability of suitable land across the state by June 2, 2009.
Copies of the report will be submitted to affected local governments for their review and comments before the board holds public hearings. The board will also have to compile a final report that takes into account electricity transmission needs.
The board will act independently of the Public Service Commission but will likely rely upon data being amassed for the agency by outside groups, spokeswoman Judy Palnau said.
The agency also issued a temporary rule requiring regulated utilities, electric cooperatives and alternate suppliers to file their renewable and energy efficiency plans within 90 days. Municipal-owned utilities and member-regulated cooperatives have 120 days.
Members of the wind energy board include Trevor Lauer, a vice president with DTE Energy, Farmington Hills City Manager Steve Brock, and Thomas Vitez, a vice president with Novi-based ITC Holdings Corp.
