Title
Resolution Concerning Michigan's Energy Policy and Current State Legislation Under Consideration
Memo
At its October 13, 2015 meeting, the Ann Arbor Energy Commission passed a resolution for City Council's consideration. The resolution offers commentary and positions on a series of legislative bills proposed in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. Attached is a recent summary of the bills made available by the State of Michigan that is also downloadable at:
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Action on legislation is thought to be imminent or at least taken by years' end. These bills (from both the majority and minority parties and both chambers) impact the portion of renewable energy supplies required of utilities in the future, possible limiting or rescinding of current requirements, or alternatively increasing them; inhibit current ways of recouping solar and other small-scale renewable electricity supplied ("net-metered") to the grid and the compensation to those supplying it, redefine renewable energy sources, and address the competitive marketplace through changes to customer energy choice programs. Other changes in the varied legislation generally impact the direction for energy supply in the state, last addressed through passage of Public Act 295 of 2008, provisions of which sunset in 2015. Primarily, without new legislative directives, there is lack of clarity on how utilities will continue to incentivize energy efficiency and whether Michigan's 10% renewable portfolio standard (RPS) will be expanded. The Energy Commission believes many of the bills if passed in their current form would have a negative impact on the City's ability to reach climate and energy goals set forth in the Climate Action Plan.
While not delineating specific recipients in the resolution, the following are the majority and minority leaders of each chamber to whom a trans...
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