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Gov. Rick Snyder today outlined aggressive goals to ensure an energy future for Michigan that protects against dramatic cost increases and widespread outages through a cost-based goal that, over the next ten years, moves the state to 30-40 percent use of renewable energy and waste reduction.
The state faces an energy capacity issue with 10 coal power plants expected to be retired in the next ten years. As Michigan’s surging economy continues to grow, demand is expected to increase, challenging our infrastructure and natural assets unless we take new approaches, he said.
Energy costs and availability are a major concern for expanding businesses that will bring new jobs to Michigan’s economy. Snyder’s plan will see the state through at least the next ten years during which Michigan must meet the shortage of electric generation while complying with new federal regulations on carbon emissions.
Snyder said the energy policy centers around the four pillars of affordability, reliability, adaptability and environmental protection.
- A key challenge will be to dramatically reduce wasted energy, an effort that will save money for families and businesses as well as lessen the demand on the state’s power grid. We need to eliminate energy waste to meet an additional 15 percent of our energy needs by 2025. Snyder encourages a discussion with the Legislature about programs that help people replace older, wasteful items like furnaces, such as on-bill financing.
- Power can be made more reliable through plans to deploy “smart” meters that help utilities locate outages and restore power more quickly. The state also needs to give our regulators the ability to determine that when we may face a shortage, we have the tools to address it and ensure fair choices for customers. We’ve made progress in this area. Our goal is to have residents average less than one power outage a year, and have those outages last less than two and a half hours. We’re getting closer to hitting that mark.
- Michigan has been one of the 10 states most-dependent on coal. We must continue to focus on adaptability, with Michiganders determining how we will replace outdated coal plants and expand the use of newer, cleaner technologies such as natural gas and renewables. Our state can reach a goal of 30 to 40 percent renewables plus waste reduction within a decade.
- Michigan’s energy generation need to be part of a healthier future, with plans to reduce mercury emissions, pollution that creates acid rain and cut down on airborne particles. Our state already is a leader in terms of safety measures tied to high-volume hydraulic fracturing. We will remain vigilant, and also continue exploring ways to promote and adopt alternative transportation fuels and autonomous vehicle technology.
To read Snyder's full Energy Special Message, visit here.
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