Welcome to the February 2024 MPSC Spotlight! This edition includes the MPSC’s work to implement major energy law changes in Michigan and resources available to help Michiganders stay warm this winter.

MPSC kicks off work to implement state’s 2023 energy law; sets engagement sessions for March 7 and March 19

The MPSC took its first steps in the implementation of the significant changes made in 2023 to Michigan’s energy law, which included granting the Commission authority for siting of utility-scale clean energy projects, increasing renewable portfolio standards for the state’s utilities and raising energy waste reduction targets.

The Commission approved seven orders on Feb. 8 relative to implementation of the new energy laws approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Among other actions, the 2023 energy laws:

• Provide siting authority to the MPSC for utility-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects under specified conditions.
• Require Michigan to produce 80% of its energy from clean sources by 2035 and 100% by 2040.
• Allow the MPSC to consider climate, environmental justice and affordability matters in utilities’ long-range plans for ensuring reliable service.
• Increase utility energy waste reduction (EWR) targets, require municipal and cooperative utilities to participate in EWR programs, and establish mandatory amounts utilities must spend on EWR for low-income customers.
• Increase the renewable portfolio standard to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2040 and increase the minimum size of Michigan’s distributed generation program.

The Commission launched a new webpage to allow the public to follow its implementation work more easily at Michigan.gov/MPSC/2023EnergyLaw. Interested persons are encouraged to sign up to receive updates related to work areas of interest.

The Commission also launched a dedicated webpage for information related to the Commission’s implementation of Public Act 233 of 2023, the new renewable energy facility siting law. MPSC Staff will hold two initial public engagement sessions related to the new siting law. The sessions will be conducted via livestream on Microsoft Teams March 7 and 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The March 7 meeting will focus on issues raised by local governments and communities, and the March 19 meeting will focus on issues raised by potential applicants. Both meetings will allocate time to receiving comments from those in attendance. Details on how to join the meeting will be posted on the new MPSC webpage dedicated to implementation of PA 233.

MPSC heads to Detroit for public hearing on implementation of 2023 energy law

The MPSC will hold a public hearing in Detroit on Monday in early March to hear from the public as the Commission begins its work to implement the state’s 2023 energy law.

The public hearing will be on Monday, March 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Grand Theater at Cass Technical High School, 2501 Second Avenue in Detroit.

MPSC Staff will present an overview of the laws and the public will be invited to provide comments directly to Commissioners. Additional background information on the energy laws and the MPSC’s implementation efforts is available at Michigan.gov/MPSC/2023EnergyLaw.

MPSC focuses on getting message out about energy shutoff protections, utility assistance

While February has seen some unseasonably warm temperatures, the MPSC has maintained its focus on critical winter safety issues: utility shutoff protections and home energy assistance to keep the lights and heat on.

The MPSC’s social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook have shared messages in January and February about assistance programs and other resources for households that may be struggling with home energy costs. We’ve also shared messaging with community organizations in social service, advocacy, local government and other groups so they can more easily help us reach households in need.

Helpful resources on these issues include:

• The MSPC’s consumer tip sheet on Energy Assistance and Shut-Off Protection.
• The MPSC’s one-stop webpage on assistance for those who need help with energy, phone or broadband bills
• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Weatherization Assistance Program.
• The MPSC’s Energy Assistance Outreach toolkit for customer assistance organizations.

Orders from MPSC’s Feb. 8 meeting

Among other actions at its Feb. 8 meeting, the Commission:

• Directed Michigan’s investor-owned electric utilities to file updated applications for approval of interconnection procedures to reflect changes in the state’s energy laws enacted by the Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023 (Case Nos. U-21455 et al).
• Approved a settlement agreement involving Consumers Energy Co.’s Energy Waste Reduction plan for 2024-25 (Case No. U-21321). Under the agreement, Consumers will seek to meet 2% annual energy savings for electric and 1% annual savings for natural gas.

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 March 1 at 10 a.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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