The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued 41 orders to assist in the orderly implementation of Michigan's new energy laws for the state's municipally-owned electric utilities.  (Case Nos. U-15848 through U-15888).

"Because Michigan's new energy laws direct the MPSC to accomplish many regulatory actions within strict time limits, the Commission today is opening 41 dockets dealing with the implementation of Public Act 295 for municipally-owned electric utilities," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "The early opening of these dockets will assist in the orderly implementation of the new laws, and expedite the processing of the companies' future applications by the MPSC."

Today's orders direct municipally-owned electric utilities to notify the MPSC within 10 days after the issuance of the temporary order required by Section 191 of Public Act 295 if they will be soliciting public comments and providing them to the MPSC.

If permitted by Section 25(2) of Public Act 295 of 2008, any consolidation requests by municipally-owned electric utilities should be filed in the appropriate dockets no later than 10 days after the issuance of the temporary order.

The Commission intends to issue an order in Case No. U-15800 to comply with the temporary order requirement.

Municipally-owned electric companies in Michigan are:  Village of Baraga, City of Bay City, City of Charlevoix, Chelsea Department of Electric & Water, Village of Clinton, Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Croswell Municipal Light & Power Dept, City of Crystal Falls, Daggett Electric Department, Detroit Public Lighting Department, City of Dowagiac, City of Eaton Rapids, City of Escanaba, City of Gladstone, Grand Haven Board of Light & Power, City of Harbor Springs, City of Hart Hydro, Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities, Holland Board of Public Works, Village of L'Anse, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Lowell Light & Power, Marquette Board of Light & Power, Marshall Electric Dept., Negaunee Department of Public Works, Newberry Water and Light Board, Niles Utilities Department, City of Norway, Village of Paw Paw, City of Petoskey, City of Portland, City of Sebewaing, City of South Haven, City of St. Louis,  City of Stephenson, City of Sturgis, Traverse City Light & Power, Union City Electric Department, City of Wakefield, Wyandotte Department of Municipal Service, and Zeeland Board of Public Works

(Case Nos. U-15848 through U-15888).

Public Act 295, also known as the Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act, deals with, among other things, the establishment of renewable energy programs and energy optimization plans.  It is available for viewing here:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/publicact/pdf/2008-PA-0295.pdf

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

Case Nos. U-15848 through U-15888