Michigan Raises Power Outage Credit to $40 Per Day Amid Efforts to Boost Grid Reliability

Photo byEvgeniy AlyoshinonUnsplash

The Michigan Public Service Commission increases power outage compensation to $40 per day, aiming to incentivize utilities to enhance service reliability.

LANSING, Mi - Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced an increase in the bill credit for customers enduring lengthy power outages, raising it to $40 per day. This move strengthens compensation for affected customers and pressures electricity providers to improve service reliability and reduce outage durations. Under the updated policy, credits are applied automatically once outage thresholds are met, without requiring customers to apply.

The decision follows incremental increases from a $25 one-time credit to $38 in 2023. MPSC Chair Dan Scripps acknowledged that while the credit doesn’t fully compensate for losses during outages, it represents a step towards holding utilities accountable and incentivizing infrastructure improvements amid rising extreme weather incidents.

Grid Improvements and Federal Funding

In related actions, the MPSC approved funding measures for Consumers Energy to enhance grid reliability using federal grants. This includes deploying AI technology on residential meters to manage electric vehicle integration and moving electric services underground in disadvantaged communities. The Commission requires regular updates and oversight of these projects, with a focus on ensuring transparent use of funds and achieving stated goals.

DTE Electric’s Solar Project Approval and Concerns

Additionally, the MPSC approved DTE Electric’s Cedar Fields Solar Project but expressed concerns over the utility’s competitive bidding process. The project’s delayed operational date and selection process raised questions about the fairness and transparency of DTE’s bidding, which the Commission has vowed to monitor closely to prevent undue favoritism toward company-owned projects.

Your Turn – Like This, or Hate it?

Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. Idiotic, profane, or threatening comments are eliminated without remorse. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from ThumbWind Publications.