Michigan Regulator Orders Utilities to File Distribution Plans to Advance Grid Modernization

The Michigan Public Service Commission on Aug. 20 ordered DTE Electric Co., Consumers Energy Co., and Indiana Michigan Power Co. to file electricity distribution and maintenance plans consistent with the goals set forth in MI Power Grid – Michigan’s grid modernization initiative. 

MI Power Grid,  launched in October 2019 with support from Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, aims to propound the transition for businesses and residents alike to distributed energy resources. The initiative’s three areas of emphasis are expanding customer engagement, integrating relevant technologies, and optimizing grid performance. 

The three utilities are required  to file second iterations of their distribution, investment, and maintenance agendas by Sept. 30, 2021, with completed draft plans disclosed by Aug. 1, 2021. 

Among other MI Power Grid developments,  the commission directed its staff to convene two workgroups.  The first one, called Competitive Procurement Workgroup, will engage regulated utilities and other stakeholders to develop recommendations for a competitive bidding framework that facilitates a technology-neutral market response and value for ratepayers. The second is a collaborative workgroup with utility company representatives and other stakeholders tasked with reviewing and discussing ways to improve and better align the integrated resource planning and distribution and transmission planning, with a report due by May 27, 2021. 

The commission also ordered its staff to coordinate with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy on public health and environmental justice considerations in future resource planning cases.