The bill amends the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to enhance regulations surrounding renewable energy and energy waste reduction programs in Michigan. It requires certain electric and natural gas service providers to establish and recover costs associated with these programs, ensuring that any energy cost savings are returned to customers. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the regulation of energy systems' locations and the approval of energy waste reduction service companies. It also establishes a wind energy resource zone board and outlines the powers and duties related to the creation of wind energy resource zones, expedited transmission line siting, and customer generation and net metering programs.

A significant addition to the bill is Section 55, which prohibits the construction and operation of wind turbines for commercial electricity production in the Great Lakes and their connecting waters. It specifies that renewable energy credits will not be granted for electricity generated by such turbines, and empowers the attorney general to seek injunctive relief for violations of this section. This aims to protect the Great Lakes from potential environmental impacts associated with wind turbine installations in these waters.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 460.1001, 460.1232