Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton), Chair of the Senate Technology and Energy Committee, has appointed a workgroup to begin the process of developing a comprehensive energy plan for Michigan. Citing energy imports exceeding $20 billion and recent findings by Public Service Commission staff on capacity needs and energy efficiency, Patterson believes that Michigan's energy future is at a crossroads.

He invited about two dozen stakeholders, including PIRGIM Executive Director Mike Shriberg, to participate on the workgroup. Former Public Service Commissioner Bob Nelson was tapped to chair the process, which is to conclude later this spring. It will be followed by another workgroup that will be asked to identify specific recommendations for legislative action.

The workgroup is charged with evaluating pros and cons of all fuels and energy options that could be feasible-technologically, economically and politically-over the long term, which the group defined as 30 years. Participants were asked specificly to report on the benefits and costs of voluntary and mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), a policy many states have adopted to spur the development of wind and other renewable options. They will also evaluate opportunities for implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures.