Michigan PSC shifted focus to reliability, transparency in 2021
In direct response to severe storms that crippled power supplies to millions of residents, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) noted that, as the year winds to a close, its 2021 was spent with a renewed focus on grid reliability and the need for climate change protections.
The summer was hit with widespread storms that produced winds topping 70 mph. Mass outages resulted, some lasting up to a week, and prompted the MPSC to launch an inquest into grid reliability challenges and solutions. As a result of that case, the Commission ordered utilities to provide critical information for determining the steps necessary to reduce the amount and extent of outages. These data-gathering efforts were supplemented by a two-day technical conference in October and November.
Already this month, the MPSC has held public hearings proposing automatic power outage credits at a raised rate of $35, with $2 per additional hour beyond acceptable thresholds. Further, a DTE Electric Co. request to refund at least $70 million to customers in the form of additional tree trimming was approved, given that the detritus of trees are one of Michigan’s leading outage causers.
Also, this year, the Commission launched a new public database with information on utility customer protections throughout the state. The data of this COVID-19 Utility Customer Data site is regularly updated with the number of regulated utility customers whose service has been shut off for nonpayment and customers who have had their service restored, along with those enrolled in assistance plans and those past due on utility bills. DTE Electric Co. and DTE Gas Co. approved a new low-income pilot program to help alleviate some of these economic burdens.
Work continued on the MPSC’s MI Power Grid and Statewide Energy Assessment initiatives this year as well to improve transparency as the state continues transitioning away from large fossil fuel power plants. However, with 2022 just around the corner, one notable energy issue remains at a stalemate for the Commission and for the state: Enbridge Line 5. The MPSC continues to reject Enbridge’s arguments of public need for a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac and sided with intervenors in deciding that the potential greenhouse gas emissions impact of Line 5 must be considered under the Michigan Environmental Protection Act.
