LANSING – The Michigan House Energy
Policy Committee on Wednesday took testimony on a bill that would create a
seven-member board to consider a project that would create transmission lines
connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas in the state to solve the problem of
the U.P. relying on out-of-state providers.
The bill (HB
4575
) would create a board to look at the feasibility of
connecting the peninsulas, including considering the bid process, the cost of
the project and a timeline. Once the board decided to move forward with the
project, there would be a review and additional approval from the Midcontinent
Independent System Operator, Rep.
Triston Cole (R-Mancelona), sponsor of the bill, said.
“To accommodate the electrical
needs of the U.P. and increase connectivity between peninsulas, a reliable and
efficient integrated electrical system is necessary to ensure resource adequacy
for the entire state,” Cole said in a statement. “House Bill 4575
implements a blueprint to transition Michigan from energy-reliant to
energy-independent. By creating a sufficient and sustainable energy system to
power our state’s electrical needs we can to safeguard Michigan’s economic
growth and prosperity for future generations to come.”
Cole said there are still some
modifications to be made to the bill, including the makeup of the board. He
told committee members he is open to ideas.
Tom Finco with American Transmission
Company opposed the bill, concerned that ATC may be prohibited from
constructing transmission in its own service area. He said the bill currently
favors independent transmission companies.
Finco said the bill would also make
activities of the proposed board exempt from the Freedom of Information Act and
its members would have limited transmission planning expertise.
He said ATC has invested more than
$800 million on projects that directly benefit Michigan ratepayers.
“ATC has a vested interest by
virtue of our history, investment and involvement in the state,” he said.
“We want to ensure any legislation affecting the transmission system is
fair and legal, and capable of accomplishing its intended purpose.”
Finco, to questions from Rep.
John Kivela (D-Marquette), said ATC was the only provider in the U.P.
currently and its largest shareholder was Wisconsin Public Service.
Eric Baker, with the Wolverine Power
Cooperative, told the committee he supported the bill and that the technology
to connect the two peninsulas exists, but procedural issues are blocking the
project.
Baker said as one state, both
peninsulas should be connected by one electric network. He said in 1954 the
state built the Mackinac Bridge and the expense and technology involved did not
block the construction.
This story was published by Gongwer News Service. To
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