North Michigan News

Three Upper Peninsula legislators, along with Representative-elect Karl Bohnak, have called for immediate revisions to Michigan's energy laws. This follows a study released by the Michigan Public Service Commission on December 1st that examines the unique energy landscape of the Upper Peninsula.

"There were no surprises in the report," stated Representative Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River. He expressed concerns about the new law requiring closures of natural gas power plants and a shift to local renewables or distant transmission, which he believes could harm grid reliability and increase energy costs.

The report, required by law and spanning 165 pages, outlines the complex history of power generation in the U.P., including past System Support Resource payments linked to the Presque Isle Power Plant closure. An agreement between Michigan, Cleveland-Cliffs, and WEC Energy Group led to investments in natural gas generation in 2019, ending these payments. However, recent laws may force shutdowns within a decade.

Representative Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, noted that "Upper Peninsula stakeholders and objective energy experts warned us about the harm" from last year's bills. He emphasized adopting the "McBroom Amendment," proposed by Senator Ed McBroom last year.

The report indicates limited alternatives to address these issues without raising costs or reducing reliability. Legislative action is deemed essential unless significant reductions in energy use occur—an unlikely scenario.

Senator McBroom's amendment aimed to allow natural gas plants in the U.P. to operate until their useful life ends but failed to pass due to insufficient votes. McBroom criticized delays caused by repeated studies: "We had all of this info already... All we needed was one more vote."

The amendment has been reintroduced as House Bill 6044 by Prestin. Legislators urge public support for immediate legislative action before session end.

U.P. ratepayers have waited over a year for confirmation of what they already suspected—that Michigan’s clean energy mandate needs special consideration for their region's distinct energy needs.

"This issue should not wait for a new year," said Rep.-elect Karl Bohnak, R-Marquette. He stressed ensuring reliable and affordable energy as a top priority as he joins his legislative colleagues.