The Devil is in the Details, so it is Time to Comment on the MPSC Rules
by Bruce Goodman
Michigan’s 2008 legislation requiring utilities to purchase energy from and/or to construct renewable energy projects was a drawn out battle with many compromises and a mixed outcome. The MPSC has now proposed implementing rules, and the alternative energy industry needs to pay attention. Rules can never be perfect “right out of the box.” [I am disappointed that neither Part 2 nor Part 3 addresses standby rates, which need to be restructured to better accommodate and encourage self generation.] Do the proposed rules provide the certainty needed for alternative energy projects to get financed and built? Those with experience need to weigh in and make the rules “more perfect.” Read the rules, identify the flaws, attend the hearing, propose alternative language, submit meaningful comments. Now. The devil IS in the details.
