We Energies and Wolverine Power Cooperative Evaluate Potential for Joint Venture at Presque Isle Power Plant

MARQUETTE, MI - The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) is pleased with today’s announcement that Wolverine Power Cooperative and We Energies have signed a letter of intent to evaluate the formation of a joint venture to invest in environmental improvements at We Energies’ Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette, Michigan. 

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.   The regulations put the Presque Isle Power Plant in jeopardy of closing by 2017.  

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. 

Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance (NMRCA), of which the LSCP is an active member, has and will continue to play a role in the support of the We Energies and Wolverine Power Cooperative planned venture.  Wolverine’s established trust in the NMRCA and its legislative ability has been an important part of this effort.  

The LSCP appreciates We Energies’ effort to work toward a solution for the situation at the Presque Isle Power Plant.  The fruition of this potential joint venture will solidify the Upper Peninsula’s power reliability and dependability, as well as negate a potentially significant impact to the tax-base of Marquette.  

Michigan 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.”

The LSCP will continue to monitor and work on the situation and will update you as more develops.