The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today said it is seeking individuals to serve on the Wind Energy Resource Zone Board.  These are volunteer positions.

Public Act 295 of 2008 requires the MPSC to create a Wind Energy Resource Zone Board by Dec. 5. 

The Board will develop a report describing the wind generation potential by region in Michigan.  It must issue its proposed report by June 3, 2009.  After a process described in the Act, a final report will be issued and used to elicit information from transmission owners and operators about existing, planned and additional transmission lines needed to deliver wind energy production for each of the regions identified.  After that, and based on the Board's findings, the Commission will designate a "primary wind energy resource zone" and possibly additional zones as conducive to the development of wind energy resources.  The Act contains criteria to guide the Commission's decision.

To facilitate the transmission of electricity generated by wind energy conversion systems located in wind energy resource zones, the Commission may issue an expedited siting certificate for needed transmission lines upon application by the transmission company involved.  Any MPSC certification decision on transmission line siting will be informed by the report of the Wind Energy Resource Zone Board and subject to the requirements detailed in the Act.

The Board will consist of one member representing each of the following:  the Commission; alternative electric suppliers; the Attorney General; the renewable energy industry; cities and villages; townships; independent transmission companies; a statewide environmental organization; and the public at large.  The electric utility industry will be represented by two members.

Interested applicants should submit the following in not more than two pages:

·        Contact information:  name; mailing address; organizational affiliation, if any; preferred telephone number; alternate telephone number, if any; and electronic mail address.

·        Statement of interest explaining why you are interested in serving on the Board and why you would be a good candidate.

·        A resume.

Not later than Nov. 7, applications should be e-mailed to:  Gary Kitts at kittsg@michigan.gov  or mailed to Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI  48909.

Direct any questions to Kitts at (517) 241-6193.

Public Act 295 may be viewed here:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/publicact/pdf/2008-PA-0295.pdf

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