Wind power has potential in Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 18 (UPI) -- Michigan utility company Consumers Energy said it was expanding a program for solar energy but noted wind may be the best way forward in the state.

Consumers Energy said it was doubling the amount of solar power it would purchase from its customers under a state plan that requires utility companies to get 10 percent of their energy from renewable resources by 2015.

Dan Bishop, a spokesman for the company, told Michigan Public Radio that solar power was making gains in the state but wind energy was more attractive.

"Our analysis is that wind is the most economic way to meet this standard and serve our customers in the best way," he told the broadcaster.

DTE Energy, one of the other state utility companies, announced a decision last month to build three wind farms in Michigan.

The utility company said it acquired easements on 80,000 acres of land in the eastern part of the state for the wind farms and associated infrastructure. It also completed studies examining the wind regime and potential impact on the wildlife at the sites.