UPPCO Clears the Air on Rate Spikes

The Upper Peninsula Power Company says the controversy over the financial impact of keeping the Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette open is a complex issue and is sure to change. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which maintains the electric grid in the Midwest, determined that the plant was needed to reliably operate the grid and designated it a System Support Resource. UPPCO says every company providing electricity in the U.P. will pay for the costs to keep Presque Isle in service, but the amount could be reduced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A recent FERC ruling determined that division of expenses of the Presque Isle agreement are not just and reasonable. UPPCO expects further action on the matter and officials say they will continue to make the utility’s voice heard before the federal agency.