In Fall 2002, a group of organizations interested in wind energy in Michigan began meeting.  The group includes wind developers, utilities, Michigan Energy Office, Michigan Public Service Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Michigan State University, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Independent Power Producers Association, and other interested parties.  The Michigan WWG works closely with the Wind Powering America program of the U.S. Department of Energy. The WWG serves as the wind committee for the Michigan Public Service Commission's Michigan Renewable Energy Program.

The Wind Working Group (WWG) is open to any interested party.  The WWG is promoting the development of wind energy by:

• Providing a forum for the exchange of information
• Creating the opportunity for members to discuss and develop joint projects
• Helping to increase consumer awareness about wind energy potential
• Identifying barriers and opportunities related to the development of wind energy

Wind Working Group Presentations

The State Wind Outreach Team has been formed to provide education and outreach on wind energy.  This effort is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America program which has a goal that 20% of all electricity will come from wind power by 2030.  Michigan has the wind resources and technical and manufacturing capabilities to make a major contribution to this goal. The State Wind Outreach Team's goal is to provide accurate, balanced, current, and complete information, based on the best available science, to inform both individual purchase and development decisions and local and state policies. 

State Wind Outreach Team

John Sarver, Energy Office
Kim Pargoff, Environment Michigan
Jennifer Alvarado, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Assoc.
Jeremy Wittrock, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Assoc.
Brion Dickens, Laker Schools Green Energy Grants &
      Oliver Township Planning Commission Member
Rob Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University
Rich VanderVeen, Mackinaw Power
Allan O'Shea, Manistee County Commissioner
Eric Shreffler, Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Gary Krause, Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Ariel Shaw, Michigan Environmental Council
Tom Stanton, Michigan Public Service Commission
Julie Baldwin, Michigan Public Service Commission
Patricia Poli, Michigan Public Service Commission
Steve Harsh, Michigan State University Extension
Lynn Hamilton, Michigan State University Extension
Mike Kleppinger, MSU Land Policy Institute
John Warbach, MSU Land Policy Institute
John Patten, Western Michigan University

The Michigan WWG meets on a regular basis usually monthly.  If you would like additional information, contact John Sarver at jhsarve@michigan.gov .  

More information is available about the Wind Manufacturing Working Group from NextEnergy.