Remember that proposed coal-powered generating plant in Rogers City a few years ago?

You remember, the one Wolverine Energy officials had been lobbying for but, in the end, backed away from? The controversy surrounding a coal-fired plant was too great, and, instead, officials opted for more natural gas plants instead.

I know I remember.

Thus, I was taken aback this weekend when reading an article in USA Today about natural gas falling out of favor as an energy source across the U.S.

The article, by Elizabeth Weise, focused on more and more homes switching from natural gas to electric stoves as a means for folks to fight climate change. In California (that should be no surprise) there even are some government entities that are mandating in their zoning laws a phase-out of natural gas in new home construction.

While I believe climate change is real and needs addressed, I also believe that, until the issue is tackled globally by all the major superpowers, one country isn’t going to solve the problem on its own.

Nor should it be expected to.

The problem is much more expansive than just one industrial country.

And, when it comes to clean energy these days, I admit to a little confusion.

Wasn’t natural gas the “hero” in the alternative energy stories just a few years ago? Wasn’t it touted as being readily available, inexpensive, and clean?

So how did it fall out of favor?

And what about electric? How is that electricity being produced? Hydro? Coal? Nuclear? What is the source?

The Wolverine Power Co.’s website states that the northern Michigan energy co-op “owns and operates” seven natural gas plants in the state. Together, they are capable of producing “1,000 of the 1,360 megawatts” of generation needed at peak times for the company.

In addition, Wolverine owns shares of base load coal from three coal-fired plants in the Midwest and two wind farms in Michigan.

Obviously, for Wolverine, natural gas still is an important source in meeting and supplying their energy needs.

And it’s not just Wolverine. The same can be said for most of Michigan’s energy companies.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s section on Michigan, approximately 80% of state households use natural gas as their primary source for home heating. The consumption of natural gas in Michigan is usually in the top five each year in residential use.

In a study done by officials with the Michigan Public Service Commission, the findings were that, because of its high population, industrial base, and northern climate, energy consumption was relatively high, In 1999, Michigan spent nearly $20 billion for energy made by natural gas, while, in 2009, that figure had jumped to $31.3 billion. Also, natural gas use had increased 81% in those 10 years.

Not only was natural gas being readily used, it also was inexpensive. By 2010, the average spot price for natural gas was the lowest it had been since 2002.

Garrick Anderson, writing for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, notes in a March article that the reason natural gas is used so much in Michigan is:

1.) The state has the most storage capacity for natural gas, and,

2.) Because of that, natural gas can be moved quickly from storage in case of severe cold weather and high demand.

Anderson wrote that 60% of the electric generating capacity added in the U.S. in 2018 was natural gas, and that, in 2019, the numbers will finish around 34%t.

I understand the lack of enthusiasm toward fossil fuels today. But, let’s face it, renewables and other clean energy sources are still decades away from being practical and reliable as the sole energy sources being used by utilities.

Until then natural gas seems like not only a feasible alternative nationwide, but a very practical and, I dare say, essential element for Michigan, where quick disbursement can be a life-saver for many in periods of freezing cold.

Bill Speer can be reached at 989-354-3111, ext. 311, or bspeer@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @billspeer13.