Renewable energy costs in Michigan lower than first anticipated as a 2015 mandate approaches

[Fledermaus]

A common argument from wind turbine opponents is that wind farms will significantly increase our electric bills.

Renewable energy critics might have to retool their talking points in light of a recent state report on the implementation of the state's 2008 renewable energy mandates.

Initial utility contracts for electricity from renewable energy sources show substantially lower costs than the power generated from new coal plants, the state reports.......

The competitiveness of wind-generated electricity is based upon the cost of turbines being half what they were 10 years ago and each unit's efficiency doubling over the past five years, Isely said. Wind power also provides economic certainty compared to the price fluctuation of natural gas and the expected increase cost of coal due to environmental issues, the economics professor said.

http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2011/02/renewable_energy_costs_in_mich.html

[txlibdem]

1. Wow! Looks like it will come out to well under 1/3rd of the original cost estimate

"The initial plan to meet the 10 percent renewable power mandate in 2015 was estimated to cost $78 million, however the power company now says those costs are expected to be only $23 million."

http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2011/02/renewable_energy_costs_in_mich.html