January 26, 2012 - The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today directed Great Lakes Energy Cooperative to make certain filings and to meet with the MPSC staff as it transitions to a member-regulated cooperative.

The utility on Dec. 21, 2011 adopted a resolution to become member-regulated, in accordance with Public Act 167 of 2008, the Electric Cooperative Member-Regulation Act.  The utility will become member-regulated on March 20, assuming it fulfills all of the notice and hearing requirements of the Act.  It would become the fourth electric cooperative to become member-regulated since the law became effective.

As a member-regulated cooperative, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative's board of directors will be responsible for establishing, maintaining and applying all rates, charges, accounting standards, billing practices, and terms and conditions of service.  The MPSC retains jurisdiction over certificates of need and enforcement of administrative rules dealing with areas served and line extensions.

Today's order directs the utility to file documentation within seven days to show compliance with the notice and hearing requirements of the law and to begin a dialogue with the MPSC staff no later than Feb. 6 to discuss issues related to the transition.  The MPSC staff is directed to file a written report to the Commission by Feb. 27 on the results of those discussions.

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

Case No. U-16944

For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara.  Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/michiganLARA, "Like" us on Facebook or find us on YouTube www.youtube.com/michiganLARA.

###