Wind Power News: Michigan
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
MPSC: DTE’s energy plan approved, rates frozen until 2022
The Michigan Public Service Commission today approved DTE Electric Co.’s amended renewable energy plan and asked the company to find ways for smaller or community-based projects to be considered in future renewable energy investment proposals. In February, the commission recommended substantial changes in DTE’s proposed integrated resources plan (Case No. U-18232), citing a lack of competitive bidding. DTE filed an amended renewable energy plan in April that the commission later approved but noted that the minimum size requirements effectively precluded . . . Complete story »
Midland, Saginaw townships could sport 70 wind turbines by 2021
Midland and Saginaw counties could be the location for DTE Energy’s new wind power project by 2021. If developed, the new wind park – which DTE named “Meridian” – will use land in Porter and Mount Haley townships in Midland and stretch south into Jonesfield Township in Saginaw. DTE officials say they expect to install about 70 turbines involving the cooperation of over 700 landowners. The Meridian Wind project has not yet received final approval from the Michigan Public Service . . . Complete story »
Commissioners having issues with DTE wind farm documentation
BAD AXE – The Huron County Board of Commissioners once again unanimously rejected financial documentation from DTE regarding the Big Turtle Wind Farm near Harbor Beach. Mary Babcock, the legislative chair, said during Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting that the documentation they received from DTE did not answer a question pertaining to property taxes. The commissioners asked whether they would continue paying the same tax rates as the wind farm’s former owners, Heritage Sustainable Energy, or appeal so that they would . . . Complete story »
Michigan Court of Appeals upholds Delta County Circuit court decision regarding wind farms
The Michigan State Court of Appeals has upheld a Delta County Circuit Court decision to dismiss challenges to zoning issues regarding the construction of wind farms in the Garden Peninsula. The case began in 2018, when residents from Delta County brought up a case in Delta County circuit court challenging the Delta County Board of Commissioner’s decision to grant conditional use permits to Heritage Sustainable Energy and Heritage Garden Wind Farm for the construction of 36 wind turbines on land . . . Complete story »
County commissioners, DTE disagree over wind farm finances
HURON COUNTY – The Huron County Board of Commissioners rejected approving financial documents from DTE regarding its acquired wind farm near Harbor Beach in the county’s last meeting of April. DTE Energy had purchased 10 wind turbines that make up Phase 1 of the Big Turtle Wind Farm from Heritage Sustainable Energy in January. Commissioner Mary Babcock, the legislative committee chair, said the commissioners want DTE to follow the same tax schedule rules, escrow account deposit scheduling, and to change the . . . Complete story »
West Michigan township officials narrowly survive recall election
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Two Casnovia Township officials narrowly avoided losing their seats after residents voted not to recall them in a special election Tuesday. Township residents petitioned last year to recall Casnovia Township Clerk Jennie Powell and Trustee Daniel Winell, both Republicans, over their voting records on a controversial wind farm project that divided township residents and their elected officials for over a year. However, Powell beat nonpartisan challenger Carrie Schuman by 245 to 209 votes, according to unofficial . . . Complete story »
West Michigan officials facing recall election over controversial wind farm project
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Two Casnovia Township officials are facing a recall election next month over their voting records on a controversial wind farm project that divided township residents and their elected officials for over a year. After residents filed a petition for their recall, Casnovia Township Clerk Jennie Powell and Trustee Daniel Winell, both Republicans, will be vying to keep their positions for the next seven months when voters cast ballots in the May 5 election. Voters, casting primarily . . . Complete story »
DTE Energy submits revised energy plan
DTE Energy Co. in Detroit has filed a revised energy plan that has accepted all recommendations issued Feb. 20 by the Michigan Public Service Commission to increase renewable energy production, create more solar power resources, and boost energy waste reduction goals. “One of the key elements of our plan is our commitment to increase our annual energy savings goals to 1.75 percent in 2020 and 2 percent in 2021,” DTE said in a statement. “Expanding these energy efficiency goals will . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine proposal under FAA review
ROGERS CITY – The Federal Aviation Administration is evaluating whether proposed wind turbines in Moltke Township would obstruct air traffic at the Rogers City Airport. The FAA is evaluating 46 potential wind turbine locations, Presque Isle County Airport Manager Alan Stiller said. Stiller said he was told by the proposed wind turbine developers there would be 66 wind turbine locations. The FAA performs obstruction evaluations whenever a tall structure is planned within a 25-mile radius of the airport. He said a . . . Complete story »
Matteson passes wind turbine control law
With no public comments Wednesday night, the Matteson Township board unanimously passed a planning ordinance amendment to regulate wind turbines. The large crowd of those who supported the law gave both the township and planning boards an ovation. Matteson becomes the second, after Sherwood Township, to enact a wind turbine law which requires special use permits, in the four township area targeted by DTE for a major wind farm. Union Township has no zoning. Batavia Township declared a moratorium until . . . Complete story »
