When Governor Granholm released her economic plan, alternative energy was identified as one of four focus areas. The development of these resources is fundamental to economic diversification and growth.
Two weeks ago, the governor announced that Wolverine Power Cooperative enter into a 20-year purchase agreement for renewable energy from Harvest Wind Farm, LLC. Harvest Wind Farm has been under development for three years and will be constructed in Huron County.
Construction of Harvest Wind Farm is a $90 million project, and was supported with a state tax incentive package worth $6.5 million over 12 years, and approximately $5 million in sales tax exemptions. It will employ approximately 70-100 people during construction and ultimately provide power to about 15,000 homes.
The wind power is also expected to save Michigan consumers approximately $4 billion on power generation over the next 20 years.
Meanwhile, Democrats in the State House are supporting the Governor's initiative with a package of bills that would require utilities to increase their use of renewable energy to 10% by 2015 and to 25% by 2025. Michigan currently uses about 3% renewable.
If the House proposals pass, Michigan will join 20 other states in requiring their utilities to use alternative energy.
