DTE eyes Michigan for wind power plant

DTE Energy says it has plans for 50 to 70 wind turbines in southern Michigan’s Branch County.

The Daily Reporter says the utility made a presentation Thursday to county commissioners in Coldwater. Commission Chairman Ted Gordon says any key decisions about the placement of turbines will be made by townships.

Michael Sage of Detroit-based DTE says 180 people have signed agreements so far, covering 31,000 acres (12,545 hectares). He says the project is in the “development stage” and could take a few more years.

Critics of the wind project carried signs outside the courthouse and filled the meeting. Pam Reed told commissioners that the economic benefits from DTE wind farms in Michigan’s Thumb haven’t been as good as promised.