LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A panel appointed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer offered a series of proposals Friday for ensuring reliable supplies of propane in the Upper Peninsula.
The U.P. Energy Task Force made 14 recommendations for the Legislature and several state government departments. They were based on more than 1,000 public comments submitted since the group began meeting last July.
“The task force looks forward to working with the Legislature and stakeholders on these common-sense ideas designed to protect U.P. propane customers,” said Liesl Clark, who leads the group and is director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
Among recommendations to lawmakers were boosting weatherization funding to help low-income customers and enacting fuel price gouging measures.
The panel suggested that the Department of Technology, Management and Budget explore creating the equivalent of a strategic propane reserve that would be available in case of a disruption.
The state Public Service Commission should develop ways to identify and respond to potential shortages or supply disruptions, while the Department of Transportation should survey U.P. railroad companies about their capabilities to deliver and store propane, the task force said.
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