The Clean
Energy Transition

Requires a Thoughtful Approach

It’s not as easy as flipping a switch

The clean energy transition requires a thoughtful approach, or we risk blackouts.

The transition to clean energy is underway, and it’s a positive step toward a sustainable future. Wolverine is leading the way in Michigan, currently supplying 60% carbon-free energy and on track to provide 100% carbon-free energy to our members by 2030.

At the same time, we’re raising a caution flag. If the industry rushes this transition, we risk power outages. Wolverine and its member cooperatives believe that it’s crucial to raise awareness of this issue and work together to ensure a smooth and wise transition towards clean energy.

Electric Reliability Challenges

Balancing Supply & Demand

The gap between power supply and demand is a critical issue. Electricity demand is on the rise due to EVs and the electrification of the modern economy, while electric supply is dwindling due to the retirement of coal plants. Closing plants before replacement generation is built heightens the risk of blackouts.

Overcoming Intermittency

The transition to clean energy relies on renewable energy sources, and these sources depend on the weather. The sun doesn’t always shine, the wind doesn’t always blow, and current battery technology isn’t capable of bridging the gap. We need technology to evolve before renewables can provide reliable energy to all.

Redesigning the Grid

The existing power grid was built to transport energy from large, centralized power plants. We need to adapt our grid to handle large-scale integration of renewable energy sources. The industry must construct more transmission lines to carry energy from diverse renewable generation sites to end-users.

Recent Coverage

This isn’t just a Wolverine problem or a Michigan problem— it’s a national problem because the grid is interconnected. Some regions have already experienced blackouts. Find recent coverage below.

NERC

In their 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warned that “two-thirds of North America is at risk of energy shortfalls this summer during periods of extreme demand.”

Full Story

Insider

In December 2022, Insider reported that utility companies across the United States were implementing rolling blackouts when their grids were taxed.

Full Story

EPRI

A November 2022 study released by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and GTI Energy found that the U.S. would need to increase generation capacity by 160-480% if we are to meet climate goals set by the Paris Accord.

Full Story

So, what do we do right now?

We Innovate

Together, with our member cooperatives, we are working on regional solutions. From researching and proposing added transmission connectivity with the Lake Michigan Connector project to exploring additional generation projects—we continue to make moves that will not only benefit our members, but the entire grid. We don’t believe in doing only what’s expected. We believe in doing what’s needed.

We Invest

Committed to sustainability and meeting tomorrow’s electric demands, we’re investing in electric generation. Currently, we have two solar projects in progress and are also investing in emerging battery technology to gain valuable insights.

We Advocate

The truth is, so many of the decisions about the creation, delivery, and regulation of power is not in the hands of power utilities. With strict governance and laws that mandate what, when, and how much electricity is generated – federal, state, and local governments are integral in our power supply. That’s why we build strong relationships with our lawmakers and representatives, attend annual energy legislative conferences, and actively advocate on energy issues – to make sure the voices of rural Michigan are not only raised, but heard.