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Welcome to the first edition of the MPSC Spotlight, our monthly electronic newsletter. This issue looks back on 2023 and to what’s ahead in 2024 and includes information on helping you cut energy costs while staying warm now that winter’s here.
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In 2023, the MSPC continued its focus on work to boost the reliability and resilience of Michigan’s electric grid, which faces ongoing challenges posed by increasingly frequent and severe weather.
Among the highlights of 2023’s work:
- The MSPC launched a first of its kind comprehensive, third-party audit of the equipment and operations of the electric distribution systems of the state’s two largest utilities, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. A final report is expected in late summer 2024. The audit was among the top steps the Commission took to address challenges to electric reliability.
- Subject to several conditions, the Commission approved Enbridge Energy’s siting applicationfor a replacement segment of its pipelines on the lakebed of the Straits of Mackinac, which the company proposes to move into a tunnel deep below the Straits. The Commission determined there is a public need for the replacement section of Line 5 and the products it carries, and that protecting the ecological, natural, and cultural resources of the Great Lakes would be helped by replacing the existing dual pipelines, now exposed to the elements and risks including anchor strikes on the Straits’ lakebed.
- The Commission approved the 679 overlay area code for Detroit’s 313 area code, which is projected to run out of unassigned numbers in 2026. With the new overlay, new customers in Detroit and some of its immediate suburbs may be given phone numbers with a 679 area code. Existing phones with 313 area codes will not have to change their area code.
Read more about the MSPC’s 2023 accomplishments in our year-in-review news release.
The MPSC has released its schedule of regular Commission meetings for 2024. The Commission will meet:
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- Feb. 8, 1 p.m.
- Mar. 1, 10 a.m.
- Mar. 15, 10 a.m.
- April 11, 1 p.m.
- April 25, 1 p.m.
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- May 23, 1 p.m.
- June 6, 1 p.m.
- July 2, 1 p.m.
- July 25, 1 p.m.
- Aug. 22, 1 p.m.
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- Sept. 5, 1 p.m.
- Sept. 26, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 10, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 7, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
- Dec. 19, 1 p.m.
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Winter seemed to have arrived later than usual this season, but it’s definitely here now — and we’ve got tips to help you stay warm through the cold months and also help reduce your energy bills.
The MPSC’s BeWinterwise webpage is dedicated to providing tips and resources that can help reduce energy consumption while still keeping your home cozy. The webpage includes info on energy assistance programs, shutoff protections, and links to help you use energy more efficiently to help manage utility bills.
Here’s information about orders released at the MPSC’s first meeting of 2024:
- The Commission approved DTE Gas Co.’s application for a gas cost recovery reconciliation, reflecting a net underrecovery of more than $49 million as company’s 2022-2023 beginning balance (Case No. U-20817).
- The MPSC approved Consumers Energy Co.’s request for accounting treatment of up to $20.3 million in matching funds for its application for a federal grant to support the development of microgrids in Michigan (Case No. U-21524).
- The Commission approved solar energy project contracts requested by DTE Electric Co. (Case No. U-21361). The MPSC approved DTE Electric’s application for ex parte approval of engineering procurement and construction master service agreements for the utility’s Fish Creek Solar Park, Little Trout Solar Park and Mission Road Co-Location Solar Park, and master supply agreements for solar panel modules.
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Have a utility complaint, or need help with your utility service? We’re here to help. Submit your complaint or inquiry online or call 800-292-9555.
Tune in to our next regularly scheduled virtual commission meeting on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m.
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.
Michigan Public Service Commission
517-284-8100
7109 W. Saginaw Hwy,
Lansing, MI 48917
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