LANSING, April 17.  The Michigan Public Service Commission is seeking 
written comments on the MPSC Staff's proposal to implement the  Michigan 
Renewables Energy Program.   In particular, the Commission is requesting 
comments on how the proposal may be designed and implemented through the 
use of existing or new funding mechanisms and through coordination with
educational programs.   Additionally, the Commission encourages comments 
to address how the performance of the Michigan Renewables Energy Program 
should be measured.  Renewable energy resources are sources of electricity 
generation from solar, wind, biomass and small hydroelectric facilities, and 
also technologies that can offset the production of electricity from fossil 
fuels.  The proposal may be reviewed on the MPSC Web site or to request a 
copy by contacting the MPSC at 1.800.292.9555.  

PDF | HTML - U-12915 - Commission's Own Motion (renewables energy program) - 4/17/2001
PDF - U-12915 Exhibit A: Renewables Energy Program Proposal - 4/17/2001
  
     Written comments on the proposal are due May 17, 2001 and reply comments 
should be filed by May 31, 2001.   Comments should be sent to:

     Executive Secretary
     Michigan Public Service Commission
     P.O. Box 30221
     Lansing, Michigan 48909

     The Customer Choice and Electric Reliability Act of 2000 directed the MPSC 
to establish the Michigan renewables energy program.  Under provisions of the Act, 
the Commission is required to design a program to inform Michigan customers of 
the availability and value of using renewable energy generation and the potential 
for reduced pollution.  Additionally, the program should also be designed to 
promote the use of existing renewable energy sources and encourage the development 
of new facilities.

     "The Commission believe that the benefits of renewable energy detailed in the 
Staff's proposal can be realized with a properly designed and implemented program," 
said MPSC Chairman Laura Chappelle.  "We encourage interested parties to share their 
ideas and expertise on how to  design and implement a program that will best suit 
the needs of Michigan residents and businesses."

     The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.


Case No. U-12915
April 17, 2001
(MPSC solicits comments on Michigan Renewables Energy Program)