Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Lawmakers on a Michigan House committee continue to weigh a package of bills that would revamp the state’s energy policy, which includes eliminating energy choice.
The big utilities lined up to support the bill during an hours long hearing Monday.
Consumer’s Energy VP of Government Affairs David Mengebier told the committee taking away the consumer’s right to choose an alternative energy provider would, “restore fairness.”
DTE Energy President Steve Kurmas echoed a similar sentiment saying deregulation would, “crush families and businesses.”
Some of those businesses, however, came out in opposition of the bill including Dow Chemical and Kalamazoo Public Schools.
“In the last thirteen-and-a-half years we’ve saved just over $1 million through our electric choice,” said Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent, Doctor Michael Rice.
The governor opposes the bill too.
Lawmakers only heard testimony Monday and have not taken a vote.
