LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Just weeks after seven coal-fired power plants shut down in Michigan, Senate Republicans have introduced bills that would change the state’s comprehensive energy plan.
Sen. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek, sponsored legislation that would grade proposals to power the state on reliability, adaptability and affordability.
“Do we do it with wind turbines? Do we do it with solar farms? Do we do it with natural gas-fired generation?” Nofs said. “Let it compete and we’ll find out what’s the cheapest and most reliable.”
A companion bill sponsored by Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, would update charges on bills to maintain the statewide electrical system and mandate a 30 percent combined renewable energy and waste reduction goal.
Nofs said are not happy with that proposal because it would reduce the rate paid to residential solar panel owners when they sell electricity back to the grid. He said the new rate would be above wholesale, but below retail.
