January 10, 2006

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order requiring all regulated electric utilities, alternative electric suppliers, including utilities’ affiliates, Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., and Wabash Valley Power Association to file assessments of their ability to meet customers’ expected electric requirements in 2006.  In addition, the MPSC is soliciting comments from Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO) on the issues it believes are relevant to this investigation.  The assessments are due by April 14.

“By requiring utilities to file electric assessments, the Michigan Public Service Commission is making sure that utilities continue to provide an adequate power supply to serve their customers – especially in the critical summer months,” noted MPSC Chairman J. Peter Lark.

The assessments will include a discussion of all relevant factors that may affect the adequacy of supply and the quality of reliability of service in 2006.  In addition, the assessments will classify resources between in-state and out-of-state generation and analyze how that is expected to affect service to customers. 

Regulated electric utilities in Michigan are: Consumers Energy Company, Detroit Edison Company, I&M, Alpena Power Company, Edison Sault Electric Company, Upper Peninsula Power Company, Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Xcel Energy, and the following electric cooperatives: Alger Delta Co-operative Electric Association, Bayfield Electric Cooperative, Inc., Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Cloverland Electric Co-operative, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, Midwest Energy Cooperative, The Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, Thumb Electric Cooperative of Michigan, and Tri-County Electric Cooperative. 

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

Case No. U-14728