The Wind Energy Resource Zone Board today issued its proposed report, identifying the four regions in Michigan with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential.  The proposed report, which looked only at commercial or utility-scale wind energy on land, was submitted to local units of government in the affected areas for their comments.

"The board looked carefully at various regions of Michigan and determined that four areas hold the most potential for wind energy projects," said David Walters, chairman of the board.  "The regions were selected based on the board's findings related to the wind resources, land availability, and energy production potential compared to other areas of the state.  We look forward to hearing from the affected communities and others before submitting the final report."

The 11-member board was appointed by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Dec. 4, 2008, as required by Public Act 295 of 2008, also known as the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act.  Its proposed report was required to present its preliminary findings related to: 

·         A list of regions in the state with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential

·         A description of the estimated maximum and minimum wind generating capacity in megawatts that can be installed in each identified region

·         An estimate of the annual maximum and minimum energy production potential for each identified region

·         An estimate of the maximum wind generation capacity already in service in each identified region

The four regions identified in today's report are all in the Lower Peninsula, one in the Thumb and three along the western side of the state.  Region 1 includes parts of Allegan County; Region 2 includes parts of Antrim and Charlevoix counties; Region 3 includes parts of Benzie, Leelanau, and Manistee counties; and Region 4 includes parts of Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola, Bay and Saginaw counties. 

The report notes the transition to increased wind energy development in Michigan will depend on a number of factors, such as state and federal policies and incentives, community acceptance, wind resources, land availability, and economic considerations.  Another factor that may affect the scope and pace of wind energy development will be the ability of the electric transmission system to support the delivery of such power to customers.

"It is important to note that the identification of these four regions does not mean that wind development will necessarily occur in these regions or other areas of the state," Walters added.   "In addition, local governments retain their zoning rights or ability to review and authorize the siting of wind farms in their communities."

Local units of government in the affected areas have until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, to submit their comments on the proposed report. 

After the end of the comment period for local governments the board will hold two public hearings.  The first will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 24, at the Huron County Expo Center, located at 170 West Soper Rd., in Bad Axe.  The second public hearing will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, in the auditorium in the administrative and conference building of West Shore Community College, located at 3000 N. Stiles Rd., in Scottville.

The public may also submit comments on the proposed report at the following Web site:  https://janus.pscinc.com/windenergyresourcezone/.

No later than 45 days after the last public hearing, the board is required to issue its final report.  At that point, transmission companies and electric utilities will identify for planning purposes the electric transmission facilities needed to deliver the estimated minimum and maximum wind energy potential from each of these regions.  The MPSC will consider the findings in the board's final report and other information before designating one or more areas as a "wind energy resource zone."

The entire proposed report is available at michigan.gov/windboard.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.