LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Proposed legislation in the House would keep Michigan utilities from building a monopoly, supporters of the bill package say.
The latest salvo in the battle over energy deregulation was fired by Rep. Gary Glenn, as the freshman Republican from Midland announced a package of bills that would maintain Michigan Electric Choice Program and expand it to include educational and government entities, health care providers, renewable energy purchasers and residential customers.
“Electricity rates are one of the most-significant factors in Michigan’s ability to attract new business and industry and jobs, and we want to stimulate Michigan’s economy and job-creation, not restricting it out of choice,” Glenn said.
Citizens for Michigan’s Energy Future, a group that some are calling a front for major utilities that want to restore a regulatory monopoly in the state, claim Glenn’s package would “exacerbate” the “unfair” cost shifts already burdening Michigan’s utility customers.
– John McNeill
