The Michigan Public Service Commission is responsible for electric and steam utility regulation in the State, including regulatory responsibility over 8 privately owned electric utilities (investor-owned), 9 rural electric distribution cooperatives (coops), and 1 privately owned steam utility. Municipally owned electric utilities (muni's) are not subject to MPSC regulation with the exception of the filing of a renewable energy plan as required by Public Act 295 of 2008.
Electric distribution planning is designed to provide insight into utility distribution systems and a more thorough understanding of anticipated utility needs, priorities, and spending plans beyond what is provided in rate cases. Utilities are required by Commission order to file electric distribution plans with a focus on safety, reliability and resiliency, cost-effectiveness and affordability, and accessibility.
Michigan's energy law ensures that providers have adequate electricity suppliers over the long term. The MPSC is responsible for the review and approval of resource adequacy filings, integrated resource plans, certificate of necessity requests for utility constructed electric generation resources, and certificate of public convenience and necessity requests for transmission siting approval.
Renewable energy in Michigan is primarily used by electric providers for renewable portfolio standard compliance, to provide supply for voluntary green pricing programs, for on-site customer use through a distributed generation program, or for sale to an electric provider by a qualifying facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.
The Code of Conduct is a set of rules that apply to all utilities, alternative electric suppliers, and cooperatives to prevent cross-subsidization, preferential treatment and information sharing between a utility’s regulated electric, steam, or natural gas services and unregulated programs and services.
Energy Waste Reduction programs are offered to customers by electric and natural gas utilities to help customers reduce their energy use. These utilities have legislated energy efficiency targets to meet and are required to file plans and annual reports with the MPSC that detail programs, expenditures, and achievements.
With electric choice, customers are able to purchase their electric supply from alternative electric suppliers, licensed by the MPSC. However, by law, participation in Michigan's Electric Choice program is currently limited.
