Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is calling on citizens to voice their concerns with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) regarding DTE Electric's application to service a colossal data center in Saline. DTE's ex parte request, if approved, would forego the standard oversight typically safeguarding public and ratepayer interests. These plans, which hinge on the development of infrastructure potentially costing millions, mark a significant pivot towards what Nessel describes as Michigan's "data center era and economy." Details are available through an announcement by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Nessel's office has intervened by filing a notice that suggests public hearings be held—a move that offers consumer protection agencies and residents a chance to have their say on this issue. According to the Michigan government's press release, public responses are being funneled through the MPSC's website, with December 5th earmarked as the next significant date when the MPSC might consider DTE's application. The push for public hearings insists on a transparent review of contracts that could influence everything from household electric bills to the broader clean energy agenda.
The necessity of such transparency is underscored by Nessel's stance on the utility corporation's commitments. Traditional review mechanisms, such as a formal public hearing with discovery and filed testimony, would allow examination of DTE's promised protections and cost efficiencies for customers. On the other end, an ex parte request, which DTE seeks, circumvents these checks, as Nessel contends in the official statement,
