New renewable energy standard on Michigan's Nov. 6 ballot would amend state's constitution to require that at least 25% of electricity come from renewable sources by 2025; state already has 10% renewables goal for 2015

Audrey Dixon

LOS ANGELES , October 15, 2012 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –

Michigan voters in the Nov. 6 general election will also see on their ballots a proposal to amend the state’s constitution to set a new minimum renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for the portion of electricity based on renewable sources, reported Biomass Magazine on Oct. 11.

The proposal would require that by 2025 electric utilities derive at least 25% of their energy from renewable sources such as biomass, wind, solar and hydropower.

In addition, it sets a 1% maximum annual rate increase on power caused by compliance with the new RPS. Extension to the deadline for meeting the RPS could be granted in order to prevent rate increases higher than 1%, Biomass Magazine reported.

Former Michigan Gov. Bill Milliken has endorsed the proposal, saying that without it Michigan will continue to fall behind other states in expanding renewable-based energy and the jobs that this would generate.

Michigan already has a goal to derive 10% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2015, reported Biomass Magazine

Current Gov. Rick Snyder does not believe the new RPS is the type of measure that should be added to the state’s constitution and wants the state to wait until 2015 to assess its progress in reaching the 10% target before determining a future course.

Milliken, on the other hand, wants Michigan to become a leader in renewable energy manufacturing.

He said: “The cost of renewable energy is steadily declining and already competitive with coal and other fossil fuels,” in a statement published by Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs, which is advocating for the proposal, Biomass Magazine reported.

The primary source of this article is Biomass Magazine, Grand Forks, North Dakota, on Oct. 11, 2012.

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