The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today revised the schedule for the self-implementation proceeding in the ongoing electric rate case filed by Wisconsin Electric Power Company. 

The utility on July 2 filed an application with the MPSC seeking authority to increase its rates by approximately $42 million annually.  It also indicated its intent to self implement approximately 50 percent of the full rate increase requested, should that opportunity occur, as allowed by Michigan law.

Today's order notes that the utility has filed the tariffs it proposes to self-implement between Dec. 29, 2009 and July 2, 2010, and that all parties will be able to respond to the proposed tariffs, if they so choose, in responses to be filed no later than Oct. 28. 

The MPSC today revised the schedule for the self-implementation proceedings by eliminating the filing of testimony, rebuttals, motions to strike, briefs and reply briefs.  The administrative law judge in the case is directed to conduct an abbreviated hearing at 9 a.m. on Oct. 29 at the Commission's Lansing office.  At that hearing, the utility is directed to provide one witness to support the reasonableness of its proposed tariffs and provide evidence regarding the effect of the statutory rate design option and reasonable alternatives thereto.  Other parties may be prepared to present one witness each, if they so choose.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-15981