Michigan PSC seeking input on DTE Energy’s energy delivery workplan

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is seeking public input on DTE Electric Co.’s application for its workplan to promote innovation in energy delivery. It also approved Consumers Energy clean energy plan.

In 2023, the commission approved a voluntary 90-day review process for utility pilot programs, aiming to explore the applicability of new tech and business models, faster testing and refinement of new models, and support the rapid transformation of Michigan’s energy system.

Utilities wishing to participate in the expedited pilot review process must first submit a pilot workplan addressing up to five areas of exploration, conducting robust public engagement as the utility develops the plan.

DTE Electric filed its application for approval of its workplan on June 14, focused on five broad areas: grid reliability and resilience, distributed energy resource integration, decarbonization, beneficial electrification, and equality, access and affordability.

The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, the Institute for Energy Innovation, and Advanced Energy United filed objections to the DTE plan’s problem statements, arguing that many of the problems or issues DTE identified aren’t new or prime for innovative solutions, among other things.

Consequently, the commission declined to approve the workplan, finding approval premature.

This order instead calls for additional public comment on DTE Electric’s proposed workplan in an effort to identify areas in which significant consensus exists that would allow for expedited approval of specific proposals.

Interested parties may file comments on DTE Electric’s proposal by 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Comments may be submitted through the MPSC’s E-Dockets system; mailed to Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, Michigan 48909; or emailed to LARA-MPSC-Edockets@michigan.gov. Comments should reference Case No. U-21653.

In related news, Consumers Energy is moving forward with an expanded customer-powered clean energy effort after receiving approval from the commission.

Consumers Energy’s new Renewable Energy Program will enable households and businesses to match 100 percent of their energy use with wind and solar power. Landlords, businesses and other individuals can also purchase renewable energy on someone else’s behalf through a new effort called Green Giving.

“Consumers Energy is excited to expand customers’ options so more people can power clean energy here in Michigan,” Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience, said.

Consumers Energy is removing the cap on its utility-scale renewable energy programs, to move forward with wind and solar projects as quickly as customers want. The existing large business program is now open for everyone to participate in.

The Green Giving program will also allow subscribers to pass along clean energy benefits to others. This would be a path for businesses, nonprofits, charitable foundations or individuals to share program benefits.

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