LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Thursday announced the formation of a work group including officials from state government, utilities and private-sector businesses in an effort to identify opportunities to decrease rates for high-energy users.
“We will draw on knowledge from a range of stakeholders and decision-makers, and come up with recommendations that are cost-effective and reliable for Michigan’s industries,” said Steve Bakkal, director of Michigan Energy Office and chair of the new group, in a statement.
The group will be responsible for drafting non-legislative solutions to create a more competitive electric rate structure for energy-intensive companies, the MEDC said. One or two subgroups of 10-12 participants from energy-intensive companies, utility companies, and Public Service Commission staff will develop and evaluate various energy saving options, and a formal report from the work group will be submitted to Governor Rick Snyder, legislators and the commission outlying the various regulatory options to consider.
The group is a result of Governor Rick Snyder’s effort to find a long-term energy policy on energy efficiency and an emphasis on eliminating energy waste, as well as replacing coal with clean technologies by 2025.
The first public meeting of the work group will be at 8:30 a.m. March 24 in Hearing Room One at the PSC in Lansing. They will also meet on several to-be-determined dates through May, the MEDC said.
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