Jun
10
2010
by Bruce Goodman
Comprehensive energy supply policy needs to simultaneously address concerns about climate, energy security, and economic viability. Anyone who advocates a program on a single issue needs to be viewed skeptically. The wind does not blow nor the sun shine all the time. There is no single answer – technical nor policywise – to all the problems and issues. There needs to be a consensus that the free market does not appear to be ready to provide answers. The government needs to kick start the problem-solving process with clear goals and simple programs. Everyone needs to accept that the perfect energy supply policy will not spring automatically out of this process. Energy prices will inevitably increase – there is no free lunch. Even a long journey begins with but a single step. That step must now be taken, both at the state and federal levels.
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Tags: alternative energy, baseload capacity, energy policy, energy security, global warming, Michigan alternative energy, Michigan Public Service Commission, MPSC Renewable Portfolio Standards groundrules, MPSC RPS groundrules, renewable energy, wind energy
Energy | Bruce Goodman | 
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Jun
04
2010
by Bruce Goodman
The Michigan Public Service Commission has announced it will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. on June 22 for its proposed rules governing renewable energy plans and energy optimization plans. These rules may well set the tone and the future for energy projects in Michigan for the next decade. Provisions include defining the “Michigan content” needed for a 10 percent REC bonus and how to compute RECs for pumped storage and mixed biofuel facilities. Part 2 of the proposed rules contain the details of how utilities are to implement their RPS plans, including rules on the five factors a utility may use to limit participation by bidders in RFP solicitations. Any person may submit written comments (reference Case No. U-15900) which must be received no later than 5 p.m. on July 14. See proposed rules at: http://efile.mpsc.state.mi.us/efile/docs/15900/0001.pdf
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Jun
24
2009
by Bruce Goodman
In a series of orders, the Michigan Public Service Commission has approved the ground rules by which public utilities in the state will be implementing the RPS mandated by statute in 2008. Except for the competitive bid process for Detroit Edison, renewable energy plans, energy optimization plans, and surcharges were approved in late May. This utility has now submitted a more detailed description of the RFP and bid evaluation process for an expedited hearing. Under the various orders, the MPSC Staff will provide oversight and consultation to ensure competitive and fair RFP processes.
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