Michigan plugs in to plug-ins
MICHIGAN - Michigan utility DTE Energy said U.S. federal stimulus money targeting the plug-in electrical vehicle sector is an incredible opportunity for the state.
The economic collapse of 2008 wreaked havoc on the automotive-dependent economy in Michigan, contributing to an unemployment rate of 14.7 percent in August.
U.S. President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in February, pumping billions of government funds into the economy to stimulate growth.
Knut Simonsen, senior vice president of DTE Energy Resources, said national leaders and business investors would discuss Michigan opportunities at The Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit.
"With Michigan at a crucial crossroad in preparing for the future, plug-in electric vehicles present an incredible opportunity to address climate change, create jobs and capitalize on the new electric automotive industry," he said.
Jon Lauckner, vice president for General Motors Co. Global Program Management, said alternative fuel sources for the automotive sector could only help with a collaborative effort.
"We can only be successful if we know and listen to each other's issues and challenges and find solutions together," he said.
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Federal Government announces funding for Manitoba-Saskatchewan power line
WINNIPEG - The federal government announced funding for the Birtle Transmission Line Monday morning.
The project will help Manitoba Hydro build a transmission line from Birtle South Station in the Municipality of Prairie View to the Manitoba–Saskatchewan border 46 kilometres northwest. Once completed, the new line will allow up to 215 megawatts of hydroelectricity to flow from the Manitoba Hydro power grid to the SaskPower power grid.
The government said the transmission line would create a more stable energy supply, keep energy rates affordable and help Saskatchewan's efforts to reduce cumulative greenhouse-gas emissions in that province.
"The Government of Canada is proud to…
