Michigan House Republicans Unveil Energy Overhaul Plan

Proposal aims to lower utility costs and improve grid reliability by repealing parts of 2023 clean energy law

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:20pm

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Michigan House Republicans have introduced a new energy policy plan called 'Project Lighthouse' that would repeal parts of the 2023 clean energy law passed by Democrats. The proposal focuses on lowering electricity costs and strengthening the reliability of the state's power grid, requiring the Michigan Public Service Commission to prioritize grid reliability and minimize costs when reviewing energy proposals. Republican leaders claim the plan could save the average Michigan household about $500 per year on electricity costs.

Why it matters

The Republican-backed energy overhaul plan represents a significant shift from the clean energy policies supported by Democrats in the state. It reflects an ongoing debate over the balance between environmental concerns, consumer costs, and grid reliability in Michigan's energy future.

The details

The 'Project Lighthouse' proposal would repeal parts of the 2023 clean energy law and overhaul how the state evaluates utility projects and long-term energy planning. It would require the Michigan Public Service Commission to prioritize grid reliability and minimize costs when reviewing energy proposals. The plan also aims to force utilities to lower their rates by $1 billion to offset recent increases, and eliminate programs that allow utility bill funds to be used for outside advocacy groups.

  • The 2023 clean energy law passed by Democrats is the focus of the Republican overhaul plan.
  • The new energy policy proposal was recently introduced and will be considered in the Michigan House in the coming weeks.

The players

Rep. Pauline Wendzel

Chair of the Michigan House Energy Committee and a Republican from Watervliet.

Matt Hall

Michigan House Speaker and a Republican from Richland Township.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Democratic governor of Michigan who supported the 2023 clean energy legislation that the Republican plan aims to repeal.

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What they’re saying

“Electricity is not a luxury. It heats our homes in January. It keeps the lights on in our hospitals. It powers the factories that gave our state our identity.”

— Rep. Pauline Wendzel, Chair, Michigan House Energy Committee

“Our plan repeals the 2023 green energy mandates and restores a common sense approach that allows engineers, not politicians, to determine how to keep power reliable and affordable.”

— Rep. Pauline Wendzel, Chair, Michigan House Energy Committee

“We're going to force the utilities to lower their rates by a billion dollars. That's going to wipe out all the rate increases since 2023.”

— Matt Hall, Michigan House Speaker

What’s next

The energy policy proposal will be considered in the Michigan House in the coming weeks. It ultimately requires approval from the Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate and Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who supported the 2023 clean energy law that the Republican plan aims to repeal.

The takeaway

The Republican-backed energy overhaul plan represents a significant shift from the clean energy policies supported by Democrats in Michigan. It reflects an ongoing debate over the balance between environmental concerns, consumer costs, and grid reliability in the state's energy future.