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Petoskey Council Unanimously Approves Renewable Energy Plan Filing; Members Ask for Clearer Implementation Roadmap
Summary
Council voted 5-0 to adopt and file the city's 2025-2045 Renewable Energy Plan with the Michigan Public Service Commission as required by Public Act 235; councilmembers pressed staff and MPPA for a more detailed, actionable plan to meet the targets.
Petoskey City Council unanimously approved submission of the city's 2025-2045 Renewable Energy Plan (REP) to the Michigan Public Service Commission, fulfilling a statutory requirement in Public Act 235. The resolution passed by roll call 5-0.
City staff and the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) prepared the REP to demonstrate how the municipal utility expects to meet year-by-year renewable-energy compliance requirements through 2045. Shane Horn, city manager, and Jason Fader, public works director, told council MPPA drafted the MPSC spreadsheet using the city's data and that the plan is inherently subject to change because technology and market conditions evolve.
Staff noted Petoskey's plan is more aggressive than the state baseline: the city's target for 2030 is 70% renewable, compared with PA 235's 50% statutory target. The REP shows how the city expects to meet compliance using a mix of renewable energy credits tied to existing solar, wind and landfill-gas projects and planned new solar ownership allocations through MPPA.
Several councilmembers said they remain concerned about the absence of a detailed local implementation plan. "A plan to me is like how you get to someplace," Councilmember Shields said, asking for clearer policy steps on local programs, incentives, or community engagement to achieve stated targets. Councilors discussed requests for ongoing reporting and additional information on local programs such as rooftop solar uptake, the City Hall array performance, and a potential landfill solar project.
City staff said REP filings are updated every two years and that MPPA will continue work to identify projects and ownership levels. After discussion, the council approved the REP submittal to the Michigan Public Service Commission by unanimous vote.
