MPSC’s 2021 Annual Report outlines renewed focus on reliability, affordability
 The MPSC on March 7 delivered its 2021 Annual Report to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature, highlighting a year in which the Commission refocused its efforts on energy reliability and affordability for the state’s utility customers.
The annual report details the MPSC’s work over the previous year, from pipeline safety and broadband expansion to customer assistance and utility rate requests. Read more about the annual report in the MSPC’s news release.
MPSC issues reports on energy waste reduction, renewable energy
Two other yearly MPSC reports were issued in February on energy waste reduction and renewable energy:
- The MPSC’s Annual Report on the Implementation of PA 295 2020 Utility Energy Waste Reduction Programs found that Michigan’s 64 investor-owned, cooperative and municipal electric companies spent $294.3 million on EWR programs. Natural gas utilities spent more than $125 million. The combined total of nearly $419 million spent on EWR programs by all the state’s electric and natural gas utilities is expected to save customers more than $1.34 billion over the 12-year lifecycle of EWR programs and measures implemented in 2020. For every $1 spent on EWR programs in 2020, customers realize savings of $3.20, the report concludes.
- The MPSC’s annual Report on the Implementation and Cost-Effectiveness of the P.A. 295 Renewable Energy Standard found that utility-scale wind turbines accounted for 77% of the approximately 4,200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity in 2021. Hydroelectric facilities accounted for 9%, biomass 7%, solar installations 4%, landfill gas 3%, and municipal solid waste 1%. Across the state, three utility-scale wind farms and three utility-scale solar farms are expected to become operational, adding 725 MW of new, utility-scale renewable electricity generation in 2022.
Commissioner Peretick testifies before House Energy Committee on energy storage
 Commissioner Katherine Peretick testified on Feb. 23, 2022, before the Michigan House Energy Committee, giving an overview of energy storage in Michigan and the United States, and opportunities in and barriers to wider adoption of energy storage as the state continues its transition to clean, distributed sources of energy.
Commissioner Peretick dove into details about the MPSC’s work, including its MI Power Grid initiative, that are exploring technologies and business models, integrating storage into energy planning, and other issues critical to laying the groundwork for utility-scale storage options in Michigan. Energy storage ranges from big, centralized resources such as the giant Ludington Pumped Storage facility on Lake Michigan to batteries that hold electricity generated during periods of low electricity demand and later made available during peak demand times.
You can watch a recording of her appearance before the committee on Michigan House TV.
Phillips named chair of NARUC committee; Commissioners moderate panels at NARUC Winter Policy Summit
 The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions (NARUC) announced March 10 that Commissioner Tremaine Phillips will serve as chair of NARUC’s Committee on Telecommunications. He was formerly co-vice chair of the committee. The appointment is for one year.
“The telecommunications industry and its associated infrastructure are becoming ever more intertwined and critical to the operation and maintenance of water, electricity and other utility services,” Phillips said. “It is now more important than ever for state commissions to leverage the networks and resources provided by NARUC to help ensure that each of our respective states are maximizing the benefits of this once-in-a-generation level of financial support for our telecommunications infrastructure.”
In addition, Commissioner Phillips and MPSC Chair Dan Scripps moderated panels at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Policy Summit, held Feb. 13-16 in Washington, D.C.
Commissioner Phillips moderated “Making the Connection: Opportunities for Partnerships Between Telecommunication Providers and Utilities to Support Grid Modernization and DER Integration.” The panel explored the role of advanced communication systems in grid modernization and coordination with utilities to support the integration of distributed energy resources efficiently and effectively.
 Chair Scripps moderated “Turning Transmission Up to Eleven: Innovative Approaches to Maximizing Existing Transmission Infrastructure and Rights of Way,” which explored new and unique approaches to expanding transmission capacity while maximizing customer value by delaying or reducing the need for additional facilities or new rights of way.
The mission of the Michigan Public Service Commission is to serve the public by ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunications services at reasonable rates.
Subscribe to this Newsletter
|
