The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today authorized Consumers Energy Company to implement electric rates $5 million lower than previously authorized on Nov. 2, 2009 in Case No. U-15245.

On Jan. 25, 2010, the MPSC issued an order in which it granted the petition for rehearing filed by the Michigan Environmental Council and the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan, finding  that because of an oversight in the Nov. 2, 2009 order, the MPSC failed to deduct funds related to the Department of Energy's liability for pre-1983 disposal of spent nuclear fuel from Consumers Energy's rate base.

As a result, Consumers Energy's revenue deficiency on rehearing was determined to be $134,381,000 rather than $139,411,000 found in the Nov. 2, 2009 order.

The utility is authorized to implement the new rates and tariffs on a service rendered basis for service provided on and after March 19.

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

Case No. U-15645