September 25, 2007

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today reopened the record on Consumers Energy's proposed energy efficiency program.

Consumers Energy, as part of its natural gas rate case, proposed to implement a $9.38 million energy efficiency program for residential customers, the cost of which would be recovered in residential rates. On August 21, the Commission issued an order approving a partial settlement agreement in this case, but said it would deal with the utility's proposed energy efficiency program separately. Today's order does that.

The MPSC said it is reopening the record to develop a full and complete record and allow all individuals or groups who did not participate in the case up to this point to be heard on:

• the MPSC's authority to authorize the proposed energy efficiency program for residential customers considering the requirements of Michigan law and the provisions of the settlement agreement approved on August 21, 2007; and
  
  
• how program costs should be allocated among customer classes, if the Commission determines the proposed program should be approved and funded in accordance with Michigan law.

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

Case No. U-15190