Nessel, Citizens Utility Board applaud MPSC's call for clean energy comments

After urging the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to prioritize clean energy plans from utilities, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan (CUB) is applauding the Commission for seeking comments related to federal funding that is available to address the climate crisis.

In March, Nessel and CUB sent a joint letter to the MPSC that, in part, requested an order “asking the utilities and interested parties to file comments on available federal programs as they pertain to Michigan’s regulated utilities.”

Last Thursday, the MPSC did just that through an order that seeks comments on how Michigan utilities may benefit from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Signed into law in November, the Act provides millions of federal investment dollars that utilities can rely on for infrastructure improvement related to clean energy.

“This historic investment provides an opportunity for Michigan utilities to focus on cleaner energy, and I commend our partners at the MPSC for prioritizing the spending,” Nessel said. “This input will provide insight into transition plans that previously were unattainable due to costs. I look forward to seeing how these federal dollars can positively impact our infrastructure and, therefore, Michigan consumers.”

"We have to ensure that federal funds are spent equitably so that all Michiganders, and particularly those communities that have not received clean energy investment in the past, can benefit,” CUB Executive Director Amy Bandyk said.

“Michiganders also need their utilities to take advantage of these funds and submit competitive bids or provide matching funds for others to compete. We applaud the MPSC for issuing this order which will allow the public, the AG and groups like CUB to evaluate the utilities’ plans regarding the federal infrastructure bill."    

CUB is a nonpartisan Michigan non-profit dedicated to making utility costs more affordable for Michigan residents.   

The Commission’s order directs companies to file comments by the end of the day June 2.  

“Other interested persons also may file comments on the IIJA opportunities. Electronic comments may be submitted through the Commission’s EDockets website for those with an account or by email to mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Written comments should be mailed to Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, Michigan 48909. All comments should reference Case No. U-21227,” the press release said.