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MIDLAND, Mich. Affordable, reliable electricity has improved human life in radical ways. Despite its importance, too few understand how the process works, which includes producing energy, converting it into useful electricity and delivering it to Michigan homes. To provide a better understanding of Michigan’s electricity system, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy has released a new report. “Electricity in Michigan: A Primer” explains how electricity is generated, transmitted and used throughout the state.
In Michigan, electricity is generated using a variety of technologies and fuels: steam and gas turbines, internal combustion engines, hydroelectric and other variable renewable technologies like wind and solar. A mix of coal, natural gas and nuclear provided almost 90% of our electricity in 2018, while wind and solar combined to provide less than 5%. This ratio will likely change as the state government and major public utilities have committed to expand rene