Holland Reporter

State Representative Luke Meerman from Coopersville has voiced concerns about the stability and reliability of Michigan's energy grid. In a letter addressed to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright, Meerman highlighted issues with clean energy mandates and infrastructure weaknesses that could lead to increased rates and outages.

"My purpose in writing the letter was simply to make those in charge of the federal government’s energy policy aware of how Michigan has fallen short and jeopardized our energy infrastructure," stated Meerman. He expressed confidence in the Trump administration's ability to influence national energy discussions and improve affordability through resource utilization.

The letter references a report by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), which identifies Michigan's grid as the most at-risk in the nation. It describes Michigan’s system operator as unreliable, particularly within its region. The report suggests that recent clean energy mandates under Democratic leadership could exacerbate these issues, potentially causing significant deficiencies within a decade.

"Michigan’s electric providers do not acknowledge the weakened state of the energy grid," wrote Meerman. He noted upcoming closures of coal power plants, including J.H. Campbell Power Plant, which he believes contribute to uncertainties outlined by NERC.

Meerman's letter was co-signed by State Representatives Dave Prestin, Rachelle Smit, Bradley Slagh, and State Senators Jonathan Lindsey, Mark Huizenga, Roger Victory.

"We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and directional shift in energy policy," concluded Meerman's letter. "It is our hope that your work here will re-establish U.S. energy dominance and bring the focus of discussion back to infrastructure integrity and energy security."