New legislation would allow out-of-state competition in the state energy market

By SAODAT ASANOVA-TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING – Should Michigan allow more out-of-state energy companies to enter its energy market? While some lawmakers agree that it’s necessary to provide alternative choices for customers, industry groups counter that it might jeopardize Michigan’s ability to generate sufficient power in the future. The legislation would overturn the current 10 percent ceiling on the energy market served by out-of-state utilities. A 2008 law that replaced competition with government-controlled rate setting caps electric competition at 10 percent. Rep. Mike Shirkey, R–Clarklake, the primary sponsor of the bill, said one of the fastest-growing expenses for Michigan is energy, and the state must eliminate obstacles to fair competition.