January 26, 2012 - The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today directed The Detroit Edison Company, Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, and Consumers Energy Company to file comprehensive plans by March 1 for refunding escrowed funds from the now-defunct Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF).

On July 21, 2011, the Michigan Court of Appeals determined that "administration of a LIEEF does not fall within the scope of the Commission's general statutory powers."  Subsequently, the MPSC ordered the affected utilities to escrow funds designated for the LIEEF until the issue was resolved.

On Dec. 20, 2011, Public Act 276 (Act) was enacted, directing the MPSC by Feb. 1 to commence a proceeding for each affected utility to determine how all money in the LIEEF will be refunded to customers.

Today's order directs Detroit Edison (Case No. U-16960), Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (Case No. U-16961), and Consumers Energy (Case No. U-16962 (electric) and Case No. U-16963 (natural gas)) to file comprehensive plans for refunding all LIEEF money, consistent with the Act.  

Written and electronic comments by interested persons may be filed with the Commission, but must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 21.  Written comments should be sent to: Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909.  Electronic comments may be emailed to: mpscedockets@michigan.gov.  All comments should reference the appropriate Case No.  Comments and other documents received in this proceeding will become public information, posted on the Commission's website, and subject to disclosure.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Case Nos. U-16960, U-16961, U-16962 and U-16963

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