Michigan officials release 5-point plan to alleviate fuel shortages, cost spikes if Line 5 shutdown attempts are successful

(The Center Square) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration announced its plan to mitigate anticipated heating fuel shortages throughout Michigan if its planned closure of the Line 5 pipeline in May is successful.

The MI Propane Security Plan was released Friday morning and features a five-point plan developed between the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); the Michigan Public Services Commission (PSC); and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB). The plan is based on recommendations from the governor-appointed Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force.

The dual pipelines transport approximately 540,000 gallons of fuel per day across four miles of the Straits of Mackinac lakebed. Line 5 has been in service through an easement agreement between the state and Enbridge since 1953.