Pontiac Times

State Representative Mark Tisdel expressed his disappointment in the newly signed energy laws in Michigan. These laws, signed by the governor, mandate a shift to less reliable power sources and are predicted to raise electricity costs. Tisdel, a Republican from Rochester Hills, criticized the legislation, stating that it will make electricity unaffordable and unreliable for Michiganders.

Tisdel highlighted the impact of the new laws on the state's electricity production. The bills require 100% "clean" electricity production by 2040, which would necessitate costly construction of wind and solar power infrastructure and the closure of natural gas plants. This shift to less reliable power sources increases the risk of blackouts and brownouts. Additionally, residents can expect higher electricity bills to cover the costs of the new equipment.

"These ill-advised new laws will jettison trustworthy power sources and demand costly investments - proliferating blackouts and hiking up electric bills," Tisdel stated. He emphasized the negative economic and electrical consequences of the legislation, predicting that Michigan families and businesses would suffer as a result. Tisdel also warned that the state may experience a loss of people and jobs.

Tisdel criticized the legislation's treatment of natural gas plants, stating that they would effectively be banned under the new mandates. The only exception would be if a plant incorporates expensive carbon capture technology. Furthermore, the legislation would repeal a cap on electric rate increases, allowing for higher costs to offset the expenses associated with renewable standard compliance.

An analysis conducted by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy supports Tisdel's concerns. They project that average monthly electric bills could nearly double under the new legislation. This increase is similar to what California experienced after adopting similar mandates in 2018. California has also faced widespread blackouts and brownouts and has begun to backtrack on its energy mandates.

Tisdel also noted that the legislation fails to address existing issues within Michigan's electric grid. The state has experienced significant power outages due to failures in the distribution lines, particularly during severe weather events. Tisdel expressed disappointment in the partisan nature of the legislation and called for cooperation between Republicans and Democrats to address electricity costs and strengthen the power grid.

In conclusion, Rep. Tisdel has voiced his disappointment in the new energy laws in Michigan. He believes that these laws will make electricity unaffordable and unreliable for residents. Tisdel has highlighted concerns about the shift to less reliable power sources, the potential increase in electricity costs, and the failure to address existing problems in the state's electric grid.

Click this link to access more information: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-tisdel-ill-advised-energy-laws-set-back-electric-affordability-reliability