Viewing Grant Proposal: Capital Area Friends of the Environment_Lansing Energy Needs Assessment (Planning)

The Capital Area Friends of the Environment propose to obtain an independent assessment of the Lansing region’s energy needs and whether MISO seasonal capacity requirements demand new natural gas plants, or whether renewable sources would suffice to meet future energy demand and to do so within the legal requirements under Michigan’s new clean energy legislation. We plan on disseminating the report’s results publicly and generating public debate about energy planning in the process.
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Comments
Comment Date: Comment:
3/19/2024 10:36:48 AM
The grant proposal submitted by Capital Area Friends of the Environment (CAFE) does not fit within the scope of the grant program and providing grant dollars to this request would set a bad precedent. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grant program states that it was created to provide funding for the purposes of “planning, developing, designing, acquiring or constructing renewable energy and electrification infrastructure projects” for eligible businesses, nonprofits, and local/tribal governments. Instead, the grant proposal submitted by CAFE wishes to utilize grant dollars to conduct their own evaluation of a utility’s capacity and energy assessments. Michigan’s municipal electric utilities are required to adhere to the laws, rules, and regulations of the State and EPA/EGLE that govern electric generation and emissions. Utility plans require extensive study and are based on real evidence-based examinations to not only meet the requirements above, but to also prioritize reliability and affordability. If CAFE disagrees with a municipal electric utility’s plans, or the State’s, they have the right to attend commission meetings, which are open to the public, to express their views, as well as lobby lawmakers for legislative change. Awarding grant dollars for the purpose outlined by CAFE would set a bad precedent. The work CAFE proposes to do should be left to the Commission and the Governing Bodies of the State’s municipal electric utilities. These bodies have the expertise to implement the State’s recently passed clean energy legislation to meet the standards and targets related to renewable and clean energy, while ensuring customers have reliable and affordable power. Michigan’s 2024 PA 235 is the standard for utilities to follow and granting funds to CAFE would open the door for other organizations looking to operate outside the statutory boundaries.
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