Next week, there is an important U.P. Energy Task Force meeting in Escanaba, an area in the middle of a heated debate over a proposed 125-megawatt solar farm.

Even if you live far from Escanaba, we still need your support for clean energy in Michigan. If you are unable to attend, please send an email to the U.P. Energy Task Force in support of solar, wind, geothermal, and other clean energy sources for the U.P.: [email protected]

When: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 11AM - 4:30PM. Lunch break 12-1PM. Public Comment at 2:30PM.

Where: Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba, Joseph Heirman University Center, 952 Conference Room, 2001 N. Lincoln Road, Escanaba, Michigan 49829

If you are able to make it, please RSVP here

Background: Parts of the U.P. have the highest electricity costs in the lower 48 states, and most residents are reliant on propane for heating. There is a much more affordable, reliable, and clean path forward. As we saw with the U.P. propane supply shock during the 2014 polar vortex, the sudden loss of propane feedstock can cause major price spikes and shortages for U.P. residents who rely on propane. With extreme weather events even more likely in the future due to climate change, it is time to act to protect U.P. residents from high costs and the risks that result from energy disruption.

After years of neglect, indifference, and a failure to address the U.P.’s energy needs, the state now appears poised to act:The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in July raised concerns about U.P. energy, and Gov. Whitmer responded by creating the U.P. Energy Task Force to come up with solutions, beginning in March.

The U.P. Task Force is focused on alternatives to Line 5 for propane delivery, and also looking at alternatives for electricity and other energy needs in the U.P. more affordably and reliably. This is a critical opportunity to support the clean energy economy into the U.P. and all the benefits that it can bring.

Right now, there is a proposal to build a 125-megawatt solar farm in Escanaba Township, which would generate massive amounts of clean, home-grown energy to residents, and saving residents $20 million in energy costs over the next 25 years. Unfortunately, there is an effort to undermine this solar development. Now is a critical time for people who support solar and clean energy to be heard.

Even if you live far from Escanaba, we still need your support for clean energy in Michigan. If you are unable to attend, please send an email to the U.P. Energy Task Force in support of solar, wind, geothermal, and other clean energy sources for the U.P.: [email protected]