Michigan Energy Future to hold public input meetings, gather ideas in Grand Rapids

If you want Michigan's state government to hear your ideas on the state's energy future, you'll want to mark your calendar for Feb. 25, 2013. That's when Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman John D. Quackenbush and Michigan Energy Office Director Steve Bakkal will host a public forum at Grand Valley State University's Loosemore Auditorium (401 W. Fulton St.).

"The goal is to get both industry and the public involved," says Bakkal. "We'll devote the first hour to hear from utility companies, various interest groups, businesses, and alternative energy group to help the public understand the topics. We will gather feedback and information and release a report at the end of the year on where we are today and how we compare to other states."

Bakkal says the report will be used to guide policymakers on future energy decisions, rather than waiting until the decisions need to be made. He adds that Governor Rick Snyder announced the forums in his message on energy and the environment.

In conjunction with the announcement of the forums, a new website, Michigan.gov/energy, is open until April 25 for comments and ideas from Michigan residents and business owners.

"The website poses questions that we would like help answering," Bakkal says. "Some have quick answers and others require more analysis. There's a lot of background information needed to make an informed decision on policy."

Bakkal says the public forums will be recorded and made available on YouTube following the sessions.

The Grand Rapids session is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 25, Loosemore Auditorium, 401 W. Fulton St. To find other meeting locations, click here.

Source: Steve Bakkal, Michigan Energy Office
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor