Michigan's battle for energy transparency intensifies as Attorney General Dana Nessel stands firm against DTE Energy. Nessel is calling for full public hearings on the utility company's application to service a new 1.4-gigawatt data center. Her reply to DTE's response to her intervention before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) underscores the significant concern over potential financial impacts to DTE's customers.
The attorney general's office has pointed out multiple areas where DTE's application is lacking, including a detailed account of the necessary resources to power the data center and explanations on ratepayer impacts. "DTE continues to push for a rubber-stamp approval of a secret deal, but time and again, my office has contested their filings – and time after time, the utility has shown it is not a trustworthy partner, routinely filling cases with unjustified costs," Nessel said, per the Michigan Department of Attorney General. The request for a contested case and complete proceedings echoes the feelings of DTE’s customers, who have expressed their desires for full public hearings. This clash comes as the MPSC gears up for its formal meeting, the deadline by which DTE seeks approval for its special contracts.
Nessel aims to ensure that the energy provider cannot move ahead without proper scrutiny, pressing for the same level of transparency the MPSC required in a similar case involving Consumers Energy. Her steadfast approach not only advocates for the public's right to information but also serves as a guard against unchecked corporate maneuvering. The attorney general has fought for and saved Michigan consumers over $4 billion by intervening in utility matters since taking office, marking her latest efforts as a continuation of her dedication to affordable energy.
