MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

LANSING, MICH. – State officials agreed on an electric rate hike for customers of Consumers Energy but required the company to double its rooftop solar cap, among additional efforts toward electric vehicle charging, community solar, grid reliability, and electrifying residential heating. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Jan. 19 approved a $155 million rate increase for electric customers of Consumers Energy, an amount 43% lower than the utility initially sought. Brian Wheeler, company spokesperson, said Consumers Energy is committed to delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to power Michigan homes and businesses while keeping bills as low as possible. “As a result of this settlement agreement, Consumers Energy must make important progress toward using ratepayer dollars more efficiently. Among the details in the state-approved settlement, Consumers agreed to double the cap on its distributed rooftop solar and legacy net metering program from 2% to 4%.

According to the Michigan Public Service Commission, the 313 area code is expected to run out of unassigned numbers by late 2025.

According to the Michigan Public Service Commission, the 313 area code is expected to run out of unassigned numbers by late 2025.

The Michigan Public Service Commission is looking at adding a second area code in metro Detroit, as “313″ phone numbers are projected to be used up by the third quarter of 2025. The new “679″ area code would encompass the same territory as the “313″ code, which includes Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Allen Park, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, the Grosse Pointes, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Redford Township, River Rouge and Taylor. Nobody with a “313″ area code will need to change their number. However, federal policy changes and “numbering conservation efforts” delayed the need for a second area code in the Detroit area until now. The “313″ area code has been embraced by Detroit, with the city celebrating “313 Day” on March 13 each year.

Move over 313 — here comes 679?

LANSING, MI – Michigan lawmakers and utility regulators want to know the pros and cons of building more nuclear energy generation, both for the economy and the environment. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) this week asked for proposals for an independent feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in Michigan. Lawmakers asked the commission for a critical analysis of both advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy generation, expected economic impacts, and environmental risks that come with the emissions-free power source that can help meet state climate goals.

DTE Electric Company’s proposal to allow customers to prepay their electric bills has been denied by the Michigan Public Service Commission – which Attorney General Dana Nessel is calling “a big win” for customers. Nessel’s team intervened and fought against the $12.6 million proposal, arguing it would cut down on consumer protections. The program would collect usage data in real time and allow those customers to track their costs right away. “The structure and costs associated with this program were a bad deal for consumers, especially lower-income customers who might have found themselves forced into the program,” Nessel said in a news release. DTE is reviewing the decision and plans to work with the MPSC on any solution, said DTE spokesman Brad Carroll.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) released its winter energy appraisal, a semiannual assessment of the state’s energy baseline.

State utility regulators are drawing attention to ways Michiganders can get financial help with their energy bills this winter. A new energy assistance website was designed to make it easier for people to find help paying their utility bills. Additionally, authorities rescheduled a Detroit-area energy assistance event that was cancelled because of widespread snowstorms. Commission officials also rescheduled an energy assistance fair in a Downriver suburb after heavy snowfall led to the cancellation of the initially planned event in mid-November. Participants at the energy fair will have an opportunity to share their thoughts about energy affordability, accessibility, and the availability of assistance programs.

A $30.5 million rate increase was approved for DTE Electric on Friday, a hike set to take effect on Nov. 25.

Electricity bills will increase this winter for DTE Energy’s 2.3 million electric customers – and not just because of the cold weather. The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a rate increase for DTE on Friday, Nov. 18, totaling $30.6 million. It filed for a $388 million rate increase in January, but the MPSC approved only a fraction of the ask. The rate increase goes into effect Friday, Nov. 25, per an MPSC news release. DTE’s last electric rate increase came in May 2020 when the MPSC granted a $188 million hike.

LANSING, MICH. – Regulators of Michigan’s major electric utilities are unimpressed with the state’s two largest power providers’ storm responses and lack of progress toward minimizing outages. The commissioners also ordered a third-party audit and analysis of the companies’ equipment and electrical grid operations. More aggressive tree trimming and other vegetation control since last year have shown some signs of reducing the number and length of power outages, state officials said. “Over the past decade the MPSC has issued a series of directives in response to widespread outages after storms. MPSC workers will figure out what a comprehensive review must include to analyze how to reduce the number and duration of power outages and improve public safety.

The Michigan Public Service Commission ordered an audit of the state’s biggest utility companies in response to lengthy power outages and downed power line incidents this summer.

MARQUETTE, MI – Michigan’s Upper Peninsula residents will get a chance to tell state officials about their energy concerns during a public event Sept. 20, 2022, in Marquette. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) will host an energy assistance fair for U.P. residents, along with customer listening sessions during which they can share opinions on energy issues and any concerns. High electricity rates and propane prices are expected to be among the grievances from Yoopers who participate.

LANSING, MI – Michigan utility regulators demanded Enbridge answer more engineering and safety questions about its plan to build an underground tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to house a section of its Line 5 oil and gas pipeline. They voted to re-open the official record for more exhibits and rebuttal evidence before they decide whether to green-light or reject Enbridge’s tunnel plan. Both of the state and federal agencies are set to consider climate impacts from the proposed tunnel. Enbridge already received permits to build the tunnel from Michigan state environmental regulators and the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority. Related articles:Line 5 shutdown would hike gas prices a half-cent per gallon, court filing revealsEnbridge can seek Line 5 tunnel construction bids, Michigan panel saysIslanders throw wrench into company’s Line 5 camera surveillance plans

What's next in the Line 5 fight?

LANSING, MI — Consumers Energy would end coal use within three years and expand renewable generation power under a proposed settlement with a stakeholder coalition that was negotiated as part of the utility’s long-term energy plan. Consumers, which is Michigan’s largest energy provider, had proposed last year to end all coal use by 2025 and close the Campbell plant, but a state administrative judge’s decision this spring recommending one of the plant’s coal units stay online threw that plan into doubt. A community transition plan for the retirement of the Campbell coal plant would be created under the deal. While the proposed deal does increase power generation from renewable sources, it would not entirely move Consumers away from fossil fuel sources. To offset system reliability concerns related to the loss of coal power, Consumers would purchase the Covert Generating Station near South Haven, a natural gas-fired plant which generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.

DTE Energy is proposing a $388 million investment into Michigan’s energy grid and electric storage and generation system.

An oil and gas expert warned Michigan utility regulators not only would a tunnel for the Line 5 pipeline not be a failsafe replacement for the underwater section of the line, but possible accidents could cause a catastrophic underground explosion. The Canadian oil and gas pipeline company wants much of that expert testimony tossed from the record in the state’s ongoing tunnel permit case review before the Michigan Public Service Commission. The tribe hired private pipeline accident investigator and industry expert Richard Kuprewicz to review the proposal. He confirmed in his testimony there would be a dangerous risk with the tunnel plan, even if by only a slim chance. He’s repeatedly testified in past state pipeline case reviews across the nation, including consulting for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in its fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline expansion.

The Michigan Public Service Commission last week approved requests from both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy for special rates for high-volume industrial customers. The utility companies in November applied for the special rates not just for EV producers, but also electric battery storage, semiconductor, chip, and other high-tech manufacturers. Brian Rich, Consumers Energy’s chief customer officer, said the company appreciates the MPSC’s quick approval of the special industrial power rates. The company was previously authorized by the MPSC to offer two similar special rate programs for industry and intensive users. An industry association leader said the approved special rates will be good for the state’s economy.

State officials signed off on an electric rate increase for Consumers Energy at a fraction of the amount the company initially sought. The Michigan Public Service Commission this month OK’d a $27.1 million rate increase for the company’s electric power customers – just 12 percent of the $225 million increase Consumers Energy requested. The rate increase will fund capital investments to improve reliability, state officials said. She went so far as to argue Consumers Energy should even return money to its customers. A Consumers Energy spokesperson said the company is committed to delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to power Michigan homes and businesses.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) released its final order in DTE Gas’ most recent rate case, approving an $84,173,000 annual increase.

State energy regulators will spend the next six months studying Michigan’s potential to harness greenhouse gases that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere. The state Legislature in September approved $250,000 in state funds for this study, meant to determine costs and greenhouse gas reductions for every unit of heat that could be gleaned from RNG sources. What are potentially the drawbacks of doing it and how do you look at that from a greenhouse gas emission standpoint,” said Mike Byrne, MPSC chief operating officer. Methane is the second most abundant human-generated greenhouse gas and is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, according to the U.S. The Renewable Natural Gas Study Workgroup is expected to produce its draft report by the end of June, with a final report by the end of September.

A rate increase request by DTE Gas Co. was slashed by 57% after Attorney General Dana Nessel argued the request was excessive and unreasonable. DTE Gas, a subsidiary of DTE Energy, serves approximately 1.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan. The Detroit-based utility company sought a rate increase of $195 million, which translated to more than an 11% increase for residential customers, according to the Attorney General’s office. This week the MPSC approved an $84,173,000 rate increase — nearly $111 million less than the original request. DTE Gas contracted and stored natural gas earlier this year before the global increase in natural gas prices.

A group of community activists this week called on Consumers Energy to end its use of fossil fuels more quickly than planned and ramp up its switch to renewable energy. Those involved with the MI Future MI Power campaign argue the effects of worsening climate change are particularly harmful to low-income and BIPOC communities, and Consumers Energy should focus on ending its contributions to the crisis. The group on Thursday asked the public to send comments to the Michigan Public Service Commission, which currently is reviewing the company’s pending 20-year integrated resource plan that lays out its future strategy.

This summer has brought with it some of the worst weather events we’ve seen in Michigan in a long time. We just can’t we can’t let up.” —Dan Scripps, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC)The growing threat of climate change seems to have caught Michigan utilities flat-footed, despite years of warnings that our infrastructure is not prepared for this kind of weather. Now, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) are looking into utilities’ resilience measures to make sure they’re doing the things necessary to prevent these issues. Listen: Michigan Public Service Commission Chair Dan Scripps talks about how utilities should better prepare for extreme weather. GuestDan Scripps is chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates public utilities in Michigan.

The Michigan Public Service Commission approved an order Wednesday to collect data on electric companies' response and preparedness after over 1 million residents were left without power due to storms earlier in August.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12, DTE Energy reported 590,638 customers were still without power. Customers must be out of power for 120 hours to be eligible for the $25 credit under these conditions. Outage credits are also available if a customer’s power was out for more than 16 hours in a non-catastrophic incident. The state’s service quality rules spell out when customers are eligible for the credit, and that utilities must apply an outage credits to a customer’s next bill. Customers who aren’t receiving timely outage credits may contact the MPSC’s Customer Assistance Division at 800-292-9555 for help.

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and the Michigan Public Service Commission – which advocated for the fee to continue – in 2020. It was appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case in April. Residential Customer Group has raised privacy and safety concerns with the smart meters, but the Court of Appeals said the arguments had no merit. The MPSC supports the surcharge because of the added costs that come with analog meters, Helms said. “The surcharges cover a utility’s costs for maintaining and continuing to support analog meters,” Helms said in an email.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is seeking to stop a rate increase requested by Consumers Energy that would raise residential electric bills. Based on current rates, Consumers Energy will receive excess revenue in the amount of $30.7 million, according to the testimony. “An 8.8% rate increase during a time when people are struggling with job loss and economic hardships is too much,” Nessel said. “I am fighting this exorbitant rate increase request and asking the MPSC to deny the request and grant a rate decrease. If approved by the commission the Consumers’ requested rate increase would be effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Consumers Energy wants to close its remaining coal plants 15 years earlier than planned, the Michigan utility announced on Wednesday, June 23. The company estimates it can save $90 million in operation and maintenance costs alone by running four new natural gas plants instead of five coal plants. All three of the Campbell coal plants near Holland would close in 2025 under this plan. The two Karn coal plants near Bay City would retire in 2023 instead of 2031, if approved, in addition to the Karn natural gas plants. Solar energy is part of the plan to replace the energy from coal plants.

Electricity is about to get more expensive for Consumers Energy customers. The utility is starting its Summer Peak Rate on Tuesday, June 1, raising the cost per unit of electricity by 50% from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays through the end of September. Consumers wants to discourage energy usage at those peak times so it doesn’t have to build more power plants to meet demand, Greg Stevenson – Consumers director of summer peak rates – told MLive in early May. “That’s the whole clean energy plan.”Electricity during non-peak hours will cost the same as it does the rest of the year. It’s the largest expected price jump of all utilities – with DTE Energy coming in second with a projected 5.6% increase.

Gasoline, electricity and natural gas are all expected to keep getting pricier. But as things “get back to normal,” gas prices are doing the same. While it only directly impacted the east coast, it had residual impacts on the nation’s gas supply, raising gas prices about $0.07 per gallon on average that week. Electricity, natural gas prices up ,tooThanks to COVID-19, electricity sales in Michigan were down 5% in 2020. This summer, expect to pay around $3 per thousand cubic feet, compared to $1.95 per thousand cubic feet last summer.

The Michigan Public Service Commission says it's "closely monitoring the situation" on the East Coast, where gas shortages led to long lines at the pump and panic buying. Shortages, however, aren't expected.

The shutdown of a major pipeline on the East Coast due to a cyberattack will not impact automotive fuel supply in Michigan, officials said on Wednesday.

DTE Energy and Consumers Energy on Tuesday announced support for raising the cap on private rooftop solar while urging negotiation on the level of the increase. Michigan’s 2016 energy law caps the requirement for DTE and Consumers to purchase electricity from customers with rooftop solar installations at 1%. The current policy, the utilities claim, results in its traditional electricity customers subsidizing private solar energy at about $100 million. Private solar customers pay $30 less per month than their fair share of grid costs, according to the companies. “It was good for a point in time when we had a limited number of solar customers in our system,” he said.

The rollout of a new phone number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will affect certain Michigan telephone users.

Over the last few years, Michigan officials have been at odds with the company Enbridge, who owns and operates Line 5 -- a major oil pipeline that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac. AdOn Friday, March 12, the Michigan Public Service Commission introduced the state’s new Propane Security Plan. Though the closure of Line 5 appears to be a “when” issue for Michigan officials, Enbridge officials in January said they have no intention of closing the pipeline. AdOn Nov. 24, 2020, Enbridge filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan, challenging the state’s attempt to revoke the 1953 easement. Enbridge officials argued that shutting down Line 5 is “improper and unlawful,” and that disrupting the oil flow would negatively impact U.S. and Canadian residents and businesses.

Consumers Energy is pushing to raise electric rates for residential customers by 9%, but Attorney General Dana Nessel is stepping in to see if the increase is necessary. Consumers is requesting rate increases that would bring in an extra $225 million next year, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Consumers just raised electric rates this Jan. 1 by nearly 12%, which will net an extra $100 million for the company in 2021. The company asked for $289 million in rate increases for 2021, but the MPSC granted less than half of that. Consumers raised gas rates by 9.1% on Oct. 1, 2020, which brings in an extra $144 million annually.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that Suzanna Shkreli will serve as Director of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman (OCO) and Katherine L. Peretick will serve as a Commissioner with the Michigan Public Service Commission. READ: Michigan Gov. Katherine will be the first engineer in recent memory to serve as a member of the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Consumers Energy customers will see their electricity rates go up starting Jan. 1. On Thursday, Dec. 17, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a Consumers rate increase on customer bills that will bring the utility an extra $100 million. One of the Consumers bill credits given to customers via the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is also expiring, boosting rates by another $34 million. “We are thankful that the Michigan Public Service Commission cut the egregious rate hike Consumers Energy sought for its operations and maintenance,” said Charlotte Jameson, program director of energy, drinking water and legislative affairs at the Michigan Environmental Council. RELATED STORIESRooftop solar market poised to nosedive, advocates warnConsumers Energy to raise gas rates by 9.1%, totaling $144 millionMichigan rejects Consumers Energy request to pin 2019 fire costs on customers

At a Dec. 9 meeting of the Michigan Public Service Commission the board decided Gov. Now the administrative law judge will hold a rehearing on Enbridge’s motion to limit the scope of the case. The line must be shut down by May 2021, though Enbridge is fighting the order in court. Whitmer’s order to shut down Line 5Enbridge Line 5 ordered shut down by Michigan Gov. WhitmerLine 5 shutdown order ‘creates a scenario’ for stopping Enbridge tunnel

A state commission considering a permit for a controversial tunnel project to house a new section of the Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac will not look at the potential impacts the proposed project could have on climate change. Administrative Law Judge Dennis Mack issued a ruling limiting what the commission can consider on Oct. 23. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is considering whether Enbridge has property rights for installation, operation, and maintenance of the replacement pipe segment. “We believe Enbridge should be held directly accountable by the MPSC for climate impacts and compliance with Michigan’s environmental laws,” said David Holtz, spokesperson for Oil & Water Don’t Mix. Bentley Johnson with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters said the climate change aspect goes hand in hand with the economic impacts.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed emergency rules allowing the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) and the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct remote hearings. “Continuing the practice of remote hearings will help us continue to protect Michigan families, frontline workers, and small businesses,” Whitmer said. The emergency rule amendment will revise Rule 121 of the MAHS administrative hearing rules, Rule 792.10121, to allow MOAHR to continue to remotely conduct hearings on behalf of the MERC and the PSC. READ: Continuous COVID-19 coverageView the signed emergency rules below:

Consumers paid nearly $8 million to purchase natural gas during the incident because it couldn’t access its own supply. Gretchen Whitmer asking residents to turn their heat down to 65 degrees to make sure there was enough natural gas to avoid heat interruptions. Though Consumers paid nearly $8 million for outside natural gas during the crisis, that gas was $1.18 million cheaper than the gas held in Consumers storage. Earlier this month, the MPSC approved a 9.1% rate hike for Consumers natural gas customers, totaling $144 million. RELATED STORIESConsumers Energy to raise gas rates by 9.1%, totaling $144 millionDespite polar vortex scare, Michigan’s energy supply reliableConsumers Energy fined $10K for 2019 fire that spurred Michigan natural gas shortage

DETROIT DTE Energy announced Thursday that electric rates will remain unchanged until 2022 amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MSPC) approved a regulatory plan on Thursday that will maintain current electric rates for DTE customers. These approved plans will enable DTE to meet our commitment to clean, affordable renewable energy while, at the same time, keeping rates stable for our customers.The news comes after the MSPC previously approved a $188.3 million rate increase for DTE -- a 4.7 percent rate increase for DTE customers -- in early May. DTE is Michigans largest renewable energy producer and, when these projects are complete, the company will generate enough clean energy to power 620,000 homes.Officials say the company will invest an addition $2 billion in renewable energy assets over the next four years. Consumers Energy also requested a rate increase of $244 million just ahead of the pandemic in February, which would result in a 14 percent increase for customers.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. A Michigan regulatory panel on Tuesday refused to grant quick permission to run a new oil pipeline beneath a channel that connects two of the Great Lakes, deciding instead to conduct a full review. Enbridge filed an application in April with the Michigan Public Service Commission to relocate a segment of its Line 5 that extends beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which links Lakes Huron and Michigan. Enbridge asked the state commission to approve the plan immediately, arguing that the agency in effect had already given permission by allowing the original Line 5 in 1953. Enbridge has already shown that they cannot be trusted, said Sean McBrearty of the environmental coalition Oil & Water Don't Mix. Circuit Judge James Jamo was scheduled to hear arguments Tuesday on whether to extend the order or allow oil to resume flowing through the pipes.

DETROIT – Scams where callers pretend to be from utility companies are on the rise, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission. The Commission issued a warning to consumers this week about callers who say they are with utility companies and demand immediate payment, often in the form of gift cards or Bitcoin. RELATED: Michigan AG Dana Nessel shares plan to crack down on robocallsThe MPSC said utility companies won’t use “bullying tactics” when calling customers and won’t demand immediate payment to keep services from being turned off in hours. In addition to phone scams, customers are reminded that legitimate workers with utility companies won’t coercive residents into letting them into their homes. Utility customers who have given bank account information to someone they think may have been an impostor should call their bank and local police department.

LAKANADTE Gas customers will see a very small monthly credit on their bills starting in September and lasting for more than 20 years. The Michigan Public Service Commission today approved monthly decreases for DTE Gas Co. customers to reflect the impact lower federal corporate tax rates have on the companys long-term investments. A residential customer who uses 10,000 cubic feet of natural gas a month will receive a 58-cent monthly credit on their bill beginning in September. And on average, customers would see a total refund of about $180 over that time. MPSC approved refunds of $2.12 a month for DTE Gas customers in May 2018 and refunds of $2.21 a month in October 2018.

The energy company filed a request with the Michigan Public Service Commission to raise its rates for the second time in three months. DTE claims the price hikes are to better service, though the increases are some of the largest in the country for some of the worst reliability. In comparison to Consumers Energy, the second-largest energy provider in the state, DTE, the largest, falls flat. According to The Detroit Free Press, while the average power restoration time for DTE was 765 minutes, it was only 462 minutes for Consumer Energy customers. Months after it received a rate increase from MPSC, DTE shows it is completely unconcerned about the savings accounts of its consumers," Nessel said.