Breaking News
Energy bills could jump $200 next year
(Jackson Citizen Patriot, May 9, 2008)
Consumers Energy residential customers could pay as much as $1,100 a year for electricity if a package of energy bills is approved, according to a nonpartisan legislative agency.
Gary Olson, the director of the Senate Fiscal Agency, told a senate committee that Consumers Energy customers would see an increase of more than $200 next year if the bills, which were approved by the state House last month, were signed into law. (full article)
House bills mean huge residential electric rate hikes, increases for many businesses, Senate Fiscal Agency says - Customer Choice Coalition Press Release
(May 8, 2008)
House-passed electric remonopolization legislation will raise Detroit Edison residential electric rates by 28 percent and Consumers Energy residential rates by 23.2 to 25.2 percent – before even considering the costs of a new electric plant or fuel cost increases – according to an analysis by the Senate Fiscal Agency issued Wednesday.
The legislation passed by the House will take away the rights of virtually all customers to choose alternative electric providers by eliminating competition for 90 percent of the two utilities electric load. Competition has held down electric rates in Michigan since 2000. (full press release)
Wind Association Blows Off Energy Plan
(MIRS, May 6, 2008)
A leading wind energy association blew off the House-passed energy package today, saying the legislation would actually put $2 billion in new investment in wind energy projects at risk.
In letters to Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM and Senate Energy Policy Committee Chair Bruce PATTERSON (R-Canton), the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) urged the leaders to make a "fresh start" with annual renewable energy requirements much more aggressive than what passed the House two weeks ago (See "House Passes Energy Package," 4/17/08). (full article)
(AWEA letter to Gov. Granholm) (AWEA letter to Sen. Patterson)
Wind Generators Oppose House Energy Package
(Gongwer News Service, May 6, 2008)
The package of bills recently passed the House to increase investment in electric generation in the state, and particularly in renewable power, will not meet that goal, the American Wind Energy Association said in a letter to Governor Jennifer Granholm and Sen. Bruce Patterson (RCanton), whose committee is now considering the legislation.
The bills to implement a renewable portfolio standard and energy efficiency programs (HB 5548and HB 5549) would require the major utilities to use 4 percent renewable power by 2012 and 15 percent by 2015.
(full article)
Tech firm wooed with $357M tax credit
(Detroit News, May 5, 2008)
Michiganians struggling to pay their own electric bills could be stunned to learn they may have to help pick up a multimillion-dollar power tab in a few years for a highly successful silicon manufacturer in the Saginaw Valley.
Hemlock Semiconductor is in line for a state tax credit against its Michigan Business Tax bill for a dozen years starting in 2012, a break that could cost the state's general fund as much as $357 million, according to a Senate Fiscal Agency analysis. The tax-supported general fund, the state's main checkbook, pays for universities, prisons, human services and other state programs and services. (full article)
Eastpointe legislator is energy point man
(Macomb Daily News, May 4, 2008)
In the high-powered political battle in Lansing over electricity rates andfuture energy supplies, Frank Accavitti is the man on the hot seat.
The Democratic state representative from Eastpointe pushed through asweeping legislative package that would increase the rates Michigan homeowners and businesses pay for electric power. The main bill, approved by Accavitti's House committee after 16 months of legislative work, is designed to provide a steady stream of power from the state's utilities for decades to come. (full article)
Time for state to plug in to green energy
(Detroit Free Press, May 4, 2008)
Like it or not, the world's skyrocketing demand for energy -- and the related volatility of energy prices -- is turning our world topsy-turvy.
Michigan is particularly unsettled with its historical economic dependence on production of automobiles highly influenced by the gyrations in the price of fossil fuels.
Indeed, we saw stark evidence last week of a rapid swing in consumer preference from big trucks and SUVs to more fuel-efficient cars, triggering big drops of 12% to 24% in the April sales of the Detroit Three automakers. (full article)
Switch to 'green' energy could hit Michigan hard
(Windsor Star, May 2, 2008)
The energy package now briskly moving through the Michigan legislature sounds like an environmentalist's and consumer's dream. They are being billed as the "green energy bills."
They call on power companies to provide more energy from "renewable" sources, which is bound to make many voters think of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's often expressed desire for wind power. (full article)
Customer Choice Coalition unveils second radio ad against House Bill 5524 -
CCC Press Release
(April 15, 2008)
As the House Energy and Technology Committee prepares to consider House Bill 5524, the Customer Choice Coalition is running radio ads informing voters that the bills will lead to huge electric rate hikes and job losses due to those electric rate hikes.
“The Customer Choice Coalition has taken the lead in providing factual information to lawmakers and citizens about this massive and unnecessary electric rate hike bill,” said Barry Cargill. “We are proud to be running this week on statewide radio another spot that lets Michigan know the House is ready to impose a $2 billion tax increase on Michigan by remonopolizing the state’s electric system and taking away their right to choose.” (full press release)
Customer Choice Hits Airwaves Second Time
(MIRS, April 15, 2008)
The sparks continue to fly over the so called energy package (HB 5524, HB 5525, HB 5548 and HB 5549).
Today, the Customer Choice Coalition (CCC) announced a second radio ad campaign it hopes would
inform voters that "the bills would lead to huge electric rate hikes and job losses."
"The Customer Choice Coalition has taken the lead in providing factual information to lawmakers and
citizens about this massive and unnecessary electric rate hike bill," said Barry Cargill. "We are proud to
be running this week on statewide radio another spot that lets Michigan know the House is ready to
impose a $2 billion tax increase on Michigan by remonopolizing the state's electric system and taking
away their right to choose." (full article)
Hemlock Semiconductor Tax Break Tacked Onto House Energy Package
(Gongwer News Service, April 14, 2008)
As the House Energy and Technology Committee prepares on Wednesday to take up its rewrite to electric
choice, commonly referred to as PA 141, a package of bills granting Michigan Business Tax credits to Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation based on how much energy the company uses have been tie-barred to it.
In order to receive the tax credits starting in 2012 and running through 2024, the maker of polysilicon crystalline would have to enter into an agreement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation saying it will construct or operate a new or expanded facility in the state. (full article)
Six Burning Questions on P.A. 141
(MIRS, April 11, 2008)
The House leadership's plans to bake limits on the state's electric choice law into new alternative energy mandates and energy efficiency programs have sparked significant debate over Michigan's energy policy in recent months. House Speaker Andy Dillion (D-Redford Twp.) has made the issue his top priority of 2008, and it's shown. His shop has coordinated several meetings, hearings and workshops on the issue over the last several weeks. (full article)
Utilities spend money to influence rewrite of electricity law
(Associated Press, April 6, 2008)
Utilities that want a rewrite of Michigan's 8-year-old electricity law are outspending their opponents when it comes to lobbying lawmakers and giving to their campaigns.
Detroit Edison and Jackson-based Consumers Energy, which together distribute power to nearly 90 percent
of the state's electric customers, spent at least $525,600 last year lobbying the Legislature and Gov.
Jennifer Granholm's administration — three times what competitors spent. (full article) Consumers CEO Makes Case For Energy Bills
(MIRS, April 4, 2008)
The head of CMS Energy told MIRS today that he's found "frustrating" the quantity of "misinformation"
floating around Lansing about the pending House energy reform legislation.
David JOOS said, no, the bills House Speaker Andy DILLON (D-Redford Twp.), Rep. Frank ACCAVITTI (D- Eastpointe) and Rep. Mike NOFS (R-Battle Creek) are working on doesn't allow the state's two major
utilities to pass along to residents any and all power plant construction cost overruns. The Michigan
Public Service Commission (MPSC) still must sign off. (full article)
Electric utilities fight to keep turf
(Detroit News, April 4, 2008)
More than $1 million has been spent on lobbying and campaign donations in the high-stakes battle over an energy package that will impact every Michiganian who flips on a light switch.
Most of the spending is by DTE Energy and Consumers Energy -- the two major utilities looking to protect and expand their turf by scaling back an 8-year-old law that opened Michigan's electricity market to competition. (full article)
It's a Matter of Choice
(Oakland Press, March 30, 2008)
Sharp debate over energy policy in Michigan is likely in the coming weeks and months.
The stakes are high, revolving around levels of electric utility competition, customer choice, electric rates, long-term supply and alternative energy sources.
Proponents say that three measures pending in the state House of Represent-atives will provide the stability that the major utilities need in order to build new generating plants while still exploring so-called renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. (full article)
Gathering Redefines 'Work Group'
(MIRS, March 25, 2008)
The hottest ticket in downtown Lansing this morning was the House Energy and Technology work group,
which met in the Mackinac Room on the 5th floor of the House Office Building.
A very large crowd filled the large room, which stretched the definition of "work group."
"This is not our normal work group," Committee Chair Frank ACCAVITTI, Jr. (D-Eastpointe) explained to
one out-of-town attendee. Accavitti and others repeatedly caught themselves using the words "testify"
only to correct the phrase with "I mean comment." (full article)
Workgroup Mulls Amendments to Energy Package
(Gongwer News Service, March 25, 2008)
The Mackinac Room in the House Office Building was crammed Tuesday for a workgroup session on an energy package including largely re-regulating the electric industry and mandating energy efficiency and a renewable portfolio standard. But while officials from energy groups, businesses, chambers of commerce, unions, alternative energy suppliers and the Granholm administration voiced the changes they would make to each of the bills in the package, there was still no consensus on possible amendments reached when the seven-hour meeting concluded.
House Energy and Technology Committee Chair Rep. Frank Accavitti (D-Eastpointe) said another workgroup meeting scheduled for Thursday would be canceled and that amendments proposed during Tuesday's gatherings would be reviewed and incorporated into the latest drafts for HB 5548 , HB 5549 , HB 5524 and HB 5525 . (full article)
Unbundle The Energy Legislation
(Grand Rapids Business Journal, March 24, 2008)
A reader recently remarked to Business Journal staff that Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration has been more damaging to the state of Michigan than the painful auto-related economic evolution. There is once again proof that politics, not solid public policy, rule in Lansing. Democrats in the Michigan House of Representatives have very deliberately knotted together the necessary and popular package of bills to set renewable Portfolio Standards with repeal of the Electric Choice and Reliability Act passed in 2000. House Speaker Pro-Tempore Michael Sak, R-Grand Rapids, who certainly is in the position to guide legislative efforts, told the Business Journal last week there is "not likely much we can do" to free the RPS package from the debacle of gutting utility deregulation. The remark is unforgettable and unforgivable.
(full article)
Energy Legislation Debated
(Grand Rapids Business Journal, March 24, 2008)
Many Michigan commercial and industrial electrical energy customers, along with some nonprofit organizations, are gearing up to battle a package of proposed legislation in Lansing. That package includes the Renewable Portfolio Standard — not because business opposes "green" electricity but because another part of the package would repeal PA 141: the Electric Choice and Reliability Act passed in 2000. (full article)
Electricity use debate slows new state laws
(Associated Press, March 22, 2008)
A popular argument for rewriting Michigan's energy laws this year is that more electricity will be needed by 2015 -- not a lot of time for new power plants to be built.
But predicting energy usage is tricky.
Big utilities and others have tried to bolster their case for legislative changes by citing a January 2007 report from then-Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman J. Peter Lark. (full article)
Consumer Choice Poll Finds Support For Energy Deregulation
(MIRS, March 18, 2008)
A poll commissioned by the Consumer Choice Coalition, which opposes House plans to revamp Michigan's hybrid utility system, shows 75 percent of Michigan voters say electric customers should have the right to buy power from competing electric providers.
The poll conducted by Marketing Resource Group said 64 percent are less likely to vote for lawmakers who have "taken away their right to choose an electric supplier and forced them to use a monopoly electric company."
(full article)
Electric Bills to See More Work
(Gongwer News Service, March 18, 2008)
A package of bills to again restructure the state's electric market and to require that utilities use renewable energy was supposed to move to the House floor Wednesday. But House Energy and Technology Committee Chair Rep. Frank Accavitti (D-Eastpointe) cancelled the meeting Tuesday to allow for additional negotiations.
Mr. Accavitti told Gongwer News Service that workgroups had been working on pieces of the package over the past several months, but various parties had been arguing recently that they could accept provisions in pieces in one workgroup if they could get changes to pieces in another. (full article)
P.A. 141 Repeal Staying Put
(MIRS, March 18, 2008)
Sources tell MIRS that HB 4562, legislation that would repeal Michigan customer choice legislation that provides for competition in the energy market, is a no-go this week.
By no means would the bill have been guaranteed traction in the Senate anyway, but there had been some talk of moving it out of the House Energy and Tech Committee and even passing it on the House floor before the spring break, which starts next week. The committee cancelled its meeting for Wednesday.
Apparently, there is some new angle on the problematic bill that House leadership wants to explore before starting to move the legislation.
Survey shows Michigan voters oppose remonopolizing electricity
Voters likely to oppose lawmakers who take away electric choice - CCC Press Release
(March 18, 2008)
Three out of four Michigan voters say electric customers should have the right to buy power from competing electric providers, and 64 percent are less likely to vote for lawmakers who support remonopolizing the state’s electric system, according to a new Marketing Resource Group survey conducted for the Customer Choice Coalition.
(full release) Customer Choice Coalition unveils radio ad campaign against House Bill 5524 -
CCC Press Release
(March 17, 2008)
As the House Energy and Technology Committee prepares to consider House Bill 5524, the Customer Choice Coalition is running radio ads informing Michigan of the consequences of the legislation to remonopolize the state’s electric system.
“We have been telling lawmakers that this legislation is bad for the state. Now we are taking the discussion to voters. We know Michigan residents like the ability to choose their electric provider, and will oppose the more that $2 billion in electric rate increases this bill will impose on them,” said Barry Cargill, executive director of the Customer Choice Coalition. (full release) (click here to hear the radio ad) House Makes Late Electric Push
(MIRS, March 17, 2008)
House-crafted legislation that puts new limits on the state's electrical restructuring effort has a 50/50 shot of moving out of committee, said a chief architect of the package.
Rep. Frank ACCAVITTI (D-Eastpointe), chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee, said today he's hoping to tweak HB 5524 enough to kick it out of committee before the House goes on its two-week recess. (full article) Electric Competitors, Customers Take to Airwaves
(Gongwer News Service, March 17, 2008)
With the House Energy and Technology Committee poised to report legislation this week that would implement a renewable portfolio standard and amend the state's electric choice program in the process, the Customer Choice Coalition launched radio ads Monday opposing the electric choice changes.
(full artilce)
Mike Cox: Energy proposals would raise rates
(Crain's Detroit Business, March 11, 2008)
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox on Tuesday weighed in against legislation being considered to restructure Michigan utility regulation and narrow the ability of utility customers to choose alternate electricity suppliers.
Cox said proposals, which include requiring a percentage of Michigan’s power to come from renewable sources, would raise electricity rates by some $2.5 billion. (full article)
Cox: Electricity legislation would bring large rate increase
(The Associated Press, March 11, 2008)
Attorney General Mike Cox on Tuesday blasted legislation he said would significantly raise electricity rates by requiring more alternative energy and decreasing competition.
Cox, a Republican, added that having more green energy is laudable. But he said Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm is over-promising its job-creation potential. (full article)
Cox's Puts $2.8B Price Tag On Energy Bills
(MIRS Capitol Capsule, March 11, 2008)
Attorney General Mike COX today announced he is opposing the proposed "radical" re-regulation of the state's electric industry, saying the House plan will cost consumers anywhere between $2 and $2.8 billion, as much as 40 percent increase on current electric bills.
The legislation sets renewable energy standards and energy efficiency initiatives, but restricts consumer advocate oversight, opening up consumers to foot the bill for any new power plant cost overruns, Cox said. (full article) Cox Opposes PA 141 Changes, R.P.S. as Economic Development
(Gongwer News Service, March 11, 2008 )
Attorney General Mike Cox urged the Legislature to reject efforts by Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy to eliminate electric customer choice in the name of additional capacity. And he said efforts to impose a renewable portfolio standard should be sold as an effort to help the environment, not the economy.
Whatever the goals of the proposal being discussed in the House, the outcome is going to be annual rate increases of as much as 40 percent, Mr. Cox said. (full article)
What will green power cost? Surcharge, spending cap considered
(Crain's Detroit Business, March 10, 2008)
Michigan's drive to renewable energy is generatingconcern about higher electricity prices.
The issue: How, and at what price, will utilities or other energy providers build or purchase renewable power to meet a proposed state mandate that 10 percent of power come from renewable sources by 2015? (full article) Costs, other concerns spark debate over requiring green power
(Associated Press, March 8, 2008)
If Michigan is to join 25 states requiring that more electricity come from renewablesources, the Legislature must sort out all kinds of issues — including the price tag.
Compared with existing power from old, already-paid-for coal plants, renewable energy is more expensive.The House is considering capping residents' extra costs at no more than $3 a month, or $36 a year over 20years, which could let power companies off the hook for meeting the renewable energy requirement, known as an RPS. (full article)
Price of Electricity Hinges on Michigan Legislature
(WILX TV-10 Lansing, March 7, 2008)
The price of your electricity for years to come could hinge on what the Legislature does in 2008.
Big utilities are lobbying state lawmakers for a rewrite of energy rules before they will agree to build new, multibillion-dollar power plants to be paid for by customers. Gov. Jennifer Granholm is pushing for new laws this month requiring the utilities to supply more renewable energy, a move she says would bring new jobs to a hurting economy and let Michigan produce more of its own energy. Environmentalists are arguing for more energy conservation and trying to stop Michigan from joining a nationwide construction boom in coal-fired power plants. Such plants emit major amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas linked to global warming. (full article) Electric rates could jolt state Saturday
(Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 08, 2008)
Michigan businesses and residents are using more energy and will be paying more for it in the years to come.
Just how much more is the focus of a complicated debate in Lansing over Michigan's energy future
.A package of bills in the state House could increase customer cost by as much as 28 percent in two years,according to the Association of Businesses Advocating Tariff Equity. (full article)
Big 3 Goes For Round 2 On Energy Costs
(MIRS, March 6, 2008)
The Big Three said a House energy plan would cost consumers billions, but the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) said doing nothing to change the state's energy policy is the most expensive option.
The Detroit automakers, who last week received a tongue-lashing from Senate Energy Policy Committee Chair Bruce PATTERSON (R-Canton) for their reticence to testify, were back before the committee today.
(full article) Schools Join Lobby Against PA 141 Bills
(Gongwer News Service, March 6, 2008)
The Michigan School Business Officials asked its members to join the fray over electric market restructuring bills this week.
In an email to members, the association said the current law "has literally saved schools tens of millions of dollars over the past ten years." The email urged members to call legislators and voice their opposition to HB 5520, HB 5521, HB 5522, HB 5523 and HB 5524. (full article)
Nofs: We're 90% There
(MIRS, March 4, 2008)
Major progress is reported on efforts to rewrite the state's energy laws and Rep. Mike NOFS (R-Battle Creek) said, after a six hour session, only about 10 percent of the package is left to be ironed out, but he quickly notes that is the tough part.
"I don't think we'll ever get everybody on board but if you can negate some of the loses or the degree of loses for those people who aren't going to get their way, that makes the bill better and some people go neutral instead of opposing it — that is important," Nofs said. (full article)
House electric bills take competition, entrepreneurs out of Michigan electric markets - (CCC Press Release)
(March 3, 2008)
Legislation pending in the House Energy and Technology Committee will tell renewable and conventional energy entrepreneurs that Michigan is closed for business, Customer Choice Coalition supporters said at a news conference today.
“Competition, choice and free markets are better solutions to Michigan’s energy policies than monopolies, increased regulation and restrictions on entrepreneurs,” said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, sponsor of SB 427, which would call for all energy providers to compete to meet future electricity needs. “When many companies are vying to enter Michigan’s electric market, as is happening today, customers should be allowed to benefit from the competition that will hold rates down and ensure more reliable – and renewable – energy to meet the state’s future needs.”
(full release)
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