The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today approved a settlement agreement authorizing Consumers Energy to construct and operate the West Oakland Pipeline.

The proposed 36-inch, high-pressure steel pipeline begins at an interconnection with Consumers Energy’s Clarkston Junction in Rose Township and proceeds about 24.4 miles to an interconnection with the utility’s Oakland Pipeline in Oakland Township, entirely located in Oakland County.  The company said it intends to construct the pipeline in two phases:  the eastern 11.3 miles to be constructed in 2005; and the remaining western 13.1 miles to be completed one to three years thereafter. The pipeline will enable more efficient use of the company’s existing storage facilities.  Its approximate cost is $57,900,000. 

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, Charter Townships of Independence and Springfield, the Township of Rose, MPSC staff, Michael and Lisa Bender, Michael J. Perion, and Sharon Bone participated in hearings on the matter.  On Nov. 19, a settlement agreement was reached with Consumers Energy, MPSC staff, and the Townships of Independence, Springfield and Rose.  The remaining parities either withdrew their interventions or stated they were not opposed to the agreement.  The settlement agreement resolved all issues related to the pipeline’s construction.

The MPSC found the settlement agreement to be reasonable and in the public interest. 

The West Oakland Pipeline will meet the requirements of the Michigan Gas Safety Standards if constructed, tested and operated as proposed.

West Oakland Pipeline Settlement Agreement

Consumers Energy, headquartered in Jackson, Mich., filed an application for authority to construct and operate the West Oakland Pipeline on Feb. 12. 

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

Case No. U-14032

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