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Press Statement For Immediate Release March 29, 2007 Contact: Dr. Martin Kushler, American Council
for an Energy Efficient Economy: 517-655-7037 Mike Shriberg, Environment David Holtz, Clean Water Action:
313-300-4454 Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club David Pettit, Public Interest
Research Group in Fr. Charles Morris, Budget-fixing electric utility
tax plan: Intriguing, but needs key
improvements A proposal to help erase the state’s crippling deficit through an
electricity tax and the re-regulation of “As with any major policy change of this nature, there are plenty
of pitfalls if this is not carefully designed,” said Dr. Martin Kushler, director
of the utilities program for the American Council for an Energy Efficient
Economy. “However, if the approach contains good regulatory protection
for consumers, along with the incorporation of strong utility-funded energy
efficiency programs, then a well-designed re-regulation of our electric system
could be good for ratepayers and the environment. “This has the potential to be a creative and reasonable response
to the state’s financial train wreck.” The plan, advanced by House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Twp., must
protect ratepayers by ensuring aggressive requirements for energy efficiency
programs and pollution-free renewable power sources. Efficiency
opportunities include power-saving high-tech equipment in industrial plants, high-efficiency
lighting in commercial buildings, and cost effective home improvements including
efficient appliances and better insulation for residential customers. Such measures would generate Ratepayers also would save money. Energy efficiency programs cost about
3 cents per kilowatt hour of power saved; compared to 6 to 9 cents per kWh if
they were to purchase that power from a new coal plant. Those savings to
ratepayers could help offset the costs from the utility tax increase. “If crafted carefully, Mr. Dillon’s plan could help solve
our immediate budget crisis, and take forward-thinking steps to reduce our
dependence on dirty, dangerous, expensive fuels like coal,” said ## |