U.P. Energy Task Force to meet online Nov. 6

The U.P. Energy Task Force is to meet online Friday with scheduled presentations about the integrated resource planning process for electric utilities and programs in Michigan that offer financing for business and residential energy efficiency projects.

The Task Force is to meet beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6. Following the presentations and discussion among Task Force members, ample time has been scheduled for public comment on Upper Peninsula-related energy topics.

Those interested in joining the meeting can click on the Microsoft Teams link on the U.P. Energy Task Force webpage. Those who do not have Internet access can use a phone to participate in the meeting by dialing 248-509-0316 and entering the conference ID 425 816 987#. People who need special assistance to participate can contact Kimber Frantz at 517-284-5035 or FrantzK@Michigan.gov in advance of the meeting.

Members of the public who wish to speak at the meeting are asked to send an email to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov with "Request for Public Comment During November Meeting" in the subject line and your name. Members of the public who attend the meeting but who did not submit their names ahead of time will be still be allowed to make a comment. Each speaker will have a three-minute time limit.

Comments regarding the work of the UP Energy Task Force can also be submitted to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov.

State regulated utilities are required by law to file integrated resource plans with the Michigan Public Service Commission. The plans outline how a utility will provide reliable, cost effective electric service to its customers in the future while also addressing the industry’s risks and uncertainties.

The U.P. Energy Task Force must submit its report on overall U.P. energy issues and alternatives to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer by March 31, 2021. In April, the Task Force sent to the Governor its recommendations on propane availability in the U.P. 

Friday’s meeting is being held in accordance with Gov. Whitmer’s and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

UP Energy Task Force to hold virtual meeting May 12; public may comment

LANSING -- The UP Energy Task Force will meet from 9:30 a.m. to Noon on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, online via Microsoft Teams.

The UP Energy Task Force (UPETF) was created by Executive Order No. 2019-14. The charge to the Task Force according to section 2(a) of the Executive Order is to:

• Assess the UP’s overall energy needs and how they are currently being met.
• Formulate alternative solutions for meeting the UP’s energy needs, with a focus on security, reliability, affordability, and environmental soundness. This shall include, but is not limited to, alternative means to supply the energy sources currently used by UP residents, and alternatives to those energy sources.
• Identify and evaluate potential changes that could occur to energy supply and distribution in the UP; the economic, environmental, and other impacts of such changes; and the alternatives for meeting the UP’s energy needs in response to such changes.

Click here to learn how you can join the May 12 Microsoft Teams Meeting or to learn more about the UP Energy Task Force and access videos of their previous meetings.

Need help joining the meeting? Check out this quick guide to Attending a Meeting in Microsoft Teams!

To join by phone call: +1 248-509-0316  United States, Pontiac (Toll). Conference ID: 182 444 572#

If you would like to share a public comment during the UP Energy Task Force meeting on May 12, please send an email to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov with your name and the subject line "Request for Public Comment During May 12 Meeting" and the chairperson will call on you during the public comment period of the meeting.

Members of the public will also have an opportunity to add their name to the public comment roster during the meeting.

The Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force Committee's "Recommendations: Part I - Propane Supply" were submitted to Governor Whitmer on April 17, 2020.*

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Please send your comments regarding the work of the UP Energy Task Force to: EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov Comments submitted via the above email address will be shared with all UP Energy Task Force members. Comments submitted will become part of the public record and subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

* See "U.P. Energy Task Force submits propane recommendations to Gov. Whitmer."