Michigan’s Green Energy Plan: A Disaster Waiting to Happen

Michigan’s Democratic-controlled government is pushing for a rapid transition to green energy, similar to the policies being implemented by President Biden at the federal level. However, critics argue that this plan could lead to disastrous consequences for the state.

According to the article, Michigan Democrats have proposed and passed several energy-related bills that aim to achieve ambitious goals. For instance, Senate Bill 271 establishes a renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, while Senate Bill 272 sets a clean energy standard of 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% clean energy by 2040. These bills also include a 90% clean energy standard that includes natural gas-fired generation with 90% carbon capture, a nascent and expensive technology that has not been deployed at any power plant nationwide.

Republican state lawmakers and energy experts in Michigan have expressed doubts about the feasibility and effectiveness of these plans. They argue that the proposed clean energy goals are unrealistic and could lead to a significant increase in electricity prices and a decrease in grid reliability.

According to a report from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Michigan’s average monthly electric bill would nearly double under the Democrats’ Clean Energy Future plan. Additionally, the report warns that the plan could lead to a significant decrease in grid reliability, with the average household experiencing power outages of up to 61 hours per year.

The report also highlights the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, which means that they produce less power relative to their total generation capacity. Solar panels, for example, produce only 25% of their listed capacity, while wind turbines produce 34% of their listed capacity. In contrast, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants produce 49%, 54%, and 93% of their listed capacity, respectively.

Moreover, the report criticizes the transfer of permitting authority for large-scale green energy projects from local control to the Michigan Public Service Commission, the state regulator. This move could potentially override local decisions and prioritize the interests of the Whitmer administration.

In conclusion, the article argues that Michigan’s green energy plan is a disaster waiting to happen. The proposed policies could lead to a significant increase in electricity prices, a decrease in grid reliability, and a shift towards unreliable energy sources. Critics argue that the plan is based on unrealistic assumptions and could have disastrous consequences for the state’s residents and businesses.