Talberg to Modernize Energy Infrastructure

Public Service Commission Chair Sally Talberg has two priorities in mind for her newly appointed term: modernizing Michigan’s infrastructure and supplying materials to meet energy needs.

In a comment, Ms. Talberg noted that many natural gas pipelines and electric lines are aging, some reaching near 60 years. With that, Ms. Talberg wants to ensure energy needs are fully supplied. In order to do so, the Public Service Commission Chair will need to work alongside the Legislature to modernize the 2008 energy law and meet the federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s federal carbon emissions standards. One of the key ways to achieve this, according to the commission chair, is the Legislature ensuring a robust planning process.

The commission has already begun that process by doing a five-year assessment of utilities instead of the usual three years or less. Ms. Talberg finds it crucial to use the five-year assessment to better determine utilities’ needs and how to meet them long term. The Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator commented Michigan has adequate electric supply in the short term, and there are enough electric generation regionally to share and offset possible shortages. There are restrictions, however, and Michigan being in two different zones could potentially be an issue, according to Ms. Talberg.

As the Legislature continues work on the energy legislation, Ms. Talberg said the commission is “ready to support the Legislature and the governor as they work over the next year.”

posted by PAA Online , Friday, January 15, 2016 1:32 PM
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