South Michigan News

Sen. Roger Victory, alongside Rep. Luke Meerman and other Michigan Republican legislators, has addressed a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, expressing concerns over Michigan's energy grid reliability.

This action follows the December 2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which highlighted that energy demands in Michigan are expected to surpass generation capacity over the next decade due to planned power plant retirements and a shift towards renewable energy resources.

The legislators emphasized the potential consequences for Michigan, stating: “A state prone to adverse weather conditions and prolonged winters, energy failings in Michigan have dire consequences, and we write to highlight the critical concerns we have for our energy security.” They noted that uncertainty in the energy market could lead to increased costs.

Concerns were also raised about policy changes implemented by Democrats in the Michigan Legislature that led to strategic shifts among energy providers, including plans to close J.H. Campbell Power Plant despite its remaining operational life. Such closures pose risks to both reliability and security of the state's energy grid.

In their correspondence, they thanked President Trump for his focus on shifting national energy policy and urged an emphasis on affordability, reliability, and fuel diversity. “American energy independence is essential to our national security and ensures affordable, reliable energy for people and businesses here in Michigan,” said Victory. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Trump administration on implementing sensible energy policies for Michigan's future.

Signatories of the letter include state Sens. Roger Victory, Mark Huizenga, Jonathan Lindsey; House Energy Committee Vice Chair Dave Prestin; as well as state Reps. Bradley Slagh, Rachelle Smit, and Luke Meerman.