Utilities spend $1.6M to influence Michigan energy policy debate

Utility Dive: Utilities in Michigan have spent some $1.6 million in the last year aimed at influencing the broad energy policy debate that's going on now, according to a detailed analysis of lobbying efforts by Michigan news outlet MLive.com.

That total includes a half million in political donations and $800,000 on television ads bought by a utility-backed non-profit.

The state has been struggling with a number of utility issues, most notably a partial deregulation market design that has split legislators and led to energy shortfalls in some parts of Michigan.

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