Michigan Public Service Commission seeks input on IRP filing process, capacity demonstration
In a meeting of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) this week, a public comment period was opened regarding integrated resource plan (IRP) filing requirements with testimony being gathered on the future of local electric capacity
Both issues are part of the state’s new energy laws which took effect in April. Where the IRPs are concerned, each regulated utility is required to file them. They, in turn, identify how power providers intend to meet the electric needs of their customers, including energy waste reduction, supply and demand, and impact of state and federal environmental laws on them. Those plans must be filed by April 2019.
The Commission is now taking comments on the rules surrounding those drafts, however, and will be until Oct. 27.
“The Commission staff and interested stakeholders for the past several months have been working through productive public discussions to help plan the energy future for customers and providers in Michigan,” MPSC Chairman Sally Talberg said. “Since the enactment of comprehensive energy reform laws in 2016, the Commission has issued nearly 50 orders to implement the new laws and provide guidance in meeting legislative requirements related to reliability, affordability, and protection of the environment.”
In addition, they formally began the process to determine rules and regulations for where electric utilities can source their power from in order to meet their capacity obligations. Commission staff will now be able to file proposals for establishing a methodology on determining how power should be generated in specific geographic areas in accordance with the law. While these locational requirements will not apply until 2022, capacity obligations are already in effect, and the deadline for Commission staff insights is set for Nov. 15.
The Commission also clarified that it must decide rate cases within 10 months, instead of a previously determined 12. Any attachments to those decisions, however, can be issued after the cases have been determined.
