Presque Isle Power Plant May Have New Life

There may be an extended lifespan for the Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette. WE Energies and Wolverine Power Company say they’ll consider a partnership to operate the facility.

Wisconsin-based WE Energies announced in October that the plant had only another five years of life left in it due to federal pollution standard restrictions. Wolverine is a downstate-Michigan-based company with several distribution and supply facilities in the Lower Peninsula.

The announcement comes just one week after controversial air quality control regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were put on hold by a federal court.

Governor Rick Snyder released a statement today saying, “I want to thank everyone at both companies who kept thinking and working to find a solution that is right for the U.P. in terms of Michigan jobs, consumers, and businesses. The State is committed to making sure our own regulatory processes regarding the Presque Isle Power Plant will be undertaken in that same spirit of relentless positive action.”

Congressman Dan Benishek commented, “I was pleased to learn of the partnership between Wisconsin Energy and Wolverine Power. I am encouraged that the Presque Isle Plant will remain operational. Residents and businesses in the U.P. need reliable energy. While I believe the recent decision of the federal court to delay new EPA regulations buys the plant time, I will continue to work with WE and Wolverine, as well as, Governor Snyder and Congressman Upton to ensure the plant remains operational.”

Amy Clickner, Chief Executive Officer of the LSCP adds, “We applaud We Energies and Wolverine Power Cooperative for their innovation to find a solution that meets long term company and community needs. We are proud to be a part of the NMRCA that played a role in this process. This action is very much in line with the LSCP and NMCRA’s energy policy of local generation for economic development for our region.”Congressman Dan Benishek says he will continue to work with WE and Wolverine, as well as with Governor Snyder, to ensure that the plant remains operational.

LSCP staff, as well as members of the LSCP Energy Task Force and Board of Directors have been meeting regularly with representatives from We Energies, as well as officials from the State regarding the impending air quality regulations and how they will affect the Upper Peninsula’s power generation, transmission, dependability and cost.