The public has an opportunity Tuesday to question some top state officials on issues concerning development of energy in the Upper Peninsula, electric power reliability in the region and concerns over the potential for significant increases in ratepayer costs.

A public panel discussion and question-and-answer session will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Brule Room of the University Center. The discussion will be moderated by state Rep. John Kivela, D-Marquette, and state Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba.

Panelists will include Valerie Brader, who is Gov. Rick Snyder’s deputy legal counsel and senior policy advisor and members of the Michigan Public Service Commission including Chairman John Quackenbush and Commissioner Sally Talberg.

The panel is expected to cover events that have taken place in the U.P. related to electric reliability, affordability and environmental protection. The public service commission said the panelists will also discuss what Snyder’s administration and the commission are doing to protect electric customers.

Recent proposals before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could increase subsidy payments to We Energies – for continued operation of the coal-fired Presque Isle Power Plant – from $52 million for one year to $97 million.

Another proposal would segregate 99 percent of those costs in the Upper Peninsula, pushing up some average utility customers’ bills up as much as $180.

We think the panel discussion is a great opportunity to learn more about the situation and ask questions of some of the top state officials on this complicated issue.

We join with the Michigan Public Service Commission in inviting the public to attend the event. There’s a great deal at stake in future energy development in the U.P. and we think its best utility consumers and others be as well-informed as possible.

The panel discussion should help provide a valuable educational opportunity toward that goal.