Commission expects no major state power shortfall in 2016

LANSING (AP) — The Michigan Public Service Commission says it’s unlikely there will be a significant power shortage in the state next year.

Chairman John Quackenbush says earlier surveys of providers suggested supplies might run short in 2016.

But a commission investigation has determined utilities, cooperatives and others should be able to get enough power from outside the state to make up for any production lags in Michigan.

The commission says Consumers Energy and DTE Electric Company plan to add gas-fired generating units to their fleets and Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative will add its gas-fired Alpine Plant 1 and 2 units.

But Quackenbush said expected closure of coal-fired plants and stronger federal pollution regulations illustrate the need to develop new power sources and improve conservation by 2020 to assure adequate supplies.