Nessel, Citizens Utility Board urge clean energy comments from utilities

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan (CUB) in asking the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to seek comments from utilities on their plans to incorporate federal grants and loans that are available to assist in addressing the climate crisis.

In a joint letter sent to the MPSC Monday, Nessel and CUB Executive Director Amy Bandyk noted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in November, provides millions of federal investment dollars that utilities can rely on for infrastructure improvement related to clean energy. It also asks the MPSC to “issue an order asking the utilities and interested parties to file comments on available federal programs as they pertain to Michigan’s regulated utilities.”

“This historic investment provides an opportunity for Michigan utilities to focus on cleaner energy, while also helping to address cost barriers that previously impacted transition plans,” Nessel said. “It’s our hope that commission leadership can make this a focus and prioritize the use of these federal dollars.”

“Transitioning to cleaner energy is essential, but we need to make sure the costs aren't overly burdensome for Michigan’s residential ratepayers who already pay some of the highest rates for energy in the country,” Bandyk said. “We joined with AG Dana Nessel on this request because these federal funds are a big opportunity to benefit all Michigan residents."  

A copy of the letter is available on the Department of Attorney General website at www.michigan.gov/ag.