MPSC to hold public hearing on study of energy issues in the Upper Peninsula

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The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in Marquette on July 30 to hear from the public about a study on Upper Peninsula energy issues the MPSC is conducting as part of the 2023 revamp of the state's energy laws.

Commissioners and MPSC Staff will be on hand 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, at Northern Michigan University's Northern Center Ballroom II, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue in Marquette. The Commission will take public comments after a Staff presentation describing the ongoing study exploring critical energy matters in the U.P.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature directed the MPSC to study unique conditions and challenges for electric generation in the U.P., a one-time proceeding as part of the 2023 energy laws.

"The Commission recognizes the U.P. energy mix is different in many ways than the rest of the state, which is why it's so important for us to hear directly from Yoopers on their concerns and ideas," said MPSC Chair Dan Scripps.

The study, required under Public Act 235 of 2023, is examining the role of Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corp.'s (UMERC) reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) units placed in service to facilitate the transition away from coal-fired generation, options for reducing the carbon intensity of the RICE units, known changes in electricity demand including from mining projects, and other relevant issues.

The MPSC study kicked off in February, requiring Staff to engage with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional transmission organization for most of Michigan; American Transmission Company (ATC); UMERC and other U.P. utilities; Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., and others to develop the study and file it to the docket in Case No. U-21572 by Nov. 22, 2024.

The MPSC is also seeking additional public input from U.P. businesses and industry representatives and interested municipalities.

A final study must be delivered to Governor Whitmer and the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2024.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter or LinkedIn.

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