January 2015

Michigan Sustainable Wines: Southwest MI Roundtable

We want to know what you think! February 12th, 9 AM- Southwest Michigan Research and Education Center 5 Lakes Energy will hold a roundtable discussion and presentation on February 12th at 9:00 AM at the Southwest Michigan Research and Education Center. The session will cover initial survey results, ask attendees further questions, and answer questions …

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Wind Works in Michigan

The wind industry has come a long way in Michigan and in the nation. From the passage of a comprehensive energy statute in 2008 that included Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, costs have dropped so that wind is now the cheapest generation option, and one of the cheapest additions to the generation fleet even without the federal …

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Can We Have a Conversation?

Now is the time to have a serious conversation about the future of Michigan’s energy system. In response to a projected shortfall in reserve capacity that may be as large as three gigawatts, the Michigan Public Service Commissioned has opened a “capacity” docket. Consumers Energy and DTE will be submitting information on February 17, 2015 explaining how they intend to deal with the projected shortfall. Michigan can learn from other states that are focusing on demand management and distributed energy resources as being the most efficient and cost-effective means of balancing supply with demand. They are reforming their energy vision and rethinking their power systems through planning collaboratives that assess emerging energy technologies and services, examine future trends, and bring the best energy expertise to the table.

Michigan Energy Policy: Looking backward and looking forward.

2015 will be a watershed year for energy policy in Michigan – and few states will be watched as carefully by energy policy experts and interested observers.  The expiration of Michigan’s “10 x 2015” renewable energy mandate is framed by accelerating changes in energy markets, new federal regulatory requirements, the proliferation of disruptive new technologies …

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