Michigan’s energy policy has undergone dramatic changes over the past decade. As policymakers and stakeholders have grappled with difficult decisions to balance reliability, affordability, and environmental protection, Public Sector Consultants (PSC) has been there to provide independent policy analysis to inform the conversation. Since 2006, PSC has published research on pressing energy policy topics ranging from deregulation of the state’s retail energy market to the growing role renewables play in our energy landscape. PSC’s energy policy research serves as a compendium of information that is useful in detailing our past, providing context to our current outlook, and looking forward to shape our energy future.
This page is a resource for interested parties to use in referencing PSC research. Our intention is to provide and curate useful content for anyone wanting to learn about Michigan’s energy policies. Future updates will be made as new studies and resources are developed.
Extra Credit
Additional Research
Responsible Policies for Renewable Energy Development (2018)
The electric power industry is in a period of great upheaval— but that means we have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to create an energy future that serves customers reliably and affordably, adapts to the latest technology, and protects our environment for generations to come.
The points presented in the study examine the role and intent of Michigan policymakers and regulators with regard to how utilities operate their businesses.
Lessons on Electric Deregulation: Why it Sometimes Falls Short of its Goals (2018)
In our latest review, PSC examines the impacts of electric utility market deregulation across several states and presents lessons learned from their experiences. While the concept of deregulation is compelling, our research indicates that the promises of deregulation have mostly been unfulfilled.
The History of Energy Policy in Michigan: Evolution of Utility Regulation (2018)
Energy policy is a complex and constantly changing topic. Drawing on years of past research into energy policy in Michigan and across the country, PSC created a summary of how these policies have evolved. This digest highlights pertinent information and key moments in history that are fundamental to where Michigan stands today.
Updated Analysis of Electric Industry Deregulation: Ohio Case Study (2016)
PSC reviewed the experiences of other states that deregulated their electric utility markets and identify lessons or issues that might be relevant to the current discussion of Michigan’s energy policy. We found that while there were some limited benefits of electric market competition in these states, broad success for deregulation has either not materialized or has come with other regulatory and financial costs.
Electric Reliability in Michigan: The Challenge Ahead (2014)
PSC conducted research that highlights the challenges facing Michigan’s ability to ensure residents and businesses a reliable supply of electricity. Although greater reliance on energy efficiency and renewable energy generation can help bridge the supply gap, we found that even aggressive efforts in those areas will not eliminate the need for new base load power plants.
Analysis of Electric Deregulation Policies in Four States (2014)
PSC produced a case study report that reviewed the electricity deregulation experiences of Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey. PSC has now expanded and updated the report to include a look at Montana’s experience with electricity deregulation. The four states reviewed represent a range of geographies, political leadership, and deregulation approaches.
The 25×25 initiative represented a significant departure from the state’s energy reform plan enacted into law in 2008 as Public Acts 286 and 295. Research suggested that the 2008 plan is working. In contrast to the 2008 plan, the 25×25 initiative has a singular focus on a subset of renewable energy technologies over energy efficiency and other forms of clean energy.
Market Structures and the 21st Century Energy Plan (2007)
This study addresses the fundamental energy question facing the state in 2007: If Michigan’s 21 Century Electric Energy Plan accurately portrays the goals toward which Michigan’s electric industry should be moving, what type of market structure would enable the stakeholders to best reach these goals?
The study—commissioned by the Michigan Municipal Electric Association and Protect Michigan—conducted an economic and policy analysis of PA 141 of 2000 (Michigan’s primary electric industry restructuring law, along with PA 142 of 2000).
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