After State Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) requested assistance from the Trump administration last month in addressing concerns with Michigan’s energy security, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order to secure the state’s grid reliability. Secretary Wright’s emergency order, issued last Friday, directly addresses concerns mentioned by Meerman in a letter sent to Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

Meerman’s letter details alarming deficiencies in the integrity and reliability of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which controls Michigan’s energy grid. Meerman also warns of how these issues would be exacerbated by the impending closure of the J.H. Campbell Power Plant, the last coal-operated power plant owned by Michigan’s largest energy provider. In his emergency order, Secretary Wright directs MISO to continue operating the J.H. Campbell Power Plant and notes, as did Meerman’s letter, that its scheduled shutdown comes years before the end of its scheduled design life.

“I’m grateful for the administration’s bold leadership and for Secretary Wright listening to the concerns we have for Michigan’s energy security,” Meerman said. “The J.H. Campbell Plant in West Olive is a strong asset not just for Michigan, but the entire Midwest region.

“Baseload energy production is essential to ensure the energy supply meets demand during peak hours. Diversifying energy generation cannot come at the expense of reliability. We cannot afford to shutter energy plants like the J.H. Campbell, or we will start facing widespread outages due to early generation retirement.

“I appreciate the president and his administration for safeguarding America’s energy security and for heading the concerns of our communities and constituents.”