The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued 19 orders to assist in the orderly implementation of Michigan's new energy laws for the state's electric utilities and regulated electric cooperatives.

"Because certain issues related to the new energy laws demand immediate attention, the MPSC today is opening these dockets early to assist in their orderly implementation," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "This will expedite the processing of the companies' future applications by the Commission, and provide intervenors additional time to comply with intervention requirements in the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (R. 460.17202)."

Today's orders direct electric utilities and regulated co-ops to do the following:

·        Limit to no more than 10 percent their average weather-adjusted retail sales for the proceeding calendar year from an alternative electric supplier at any time, expect as permitted by Michigan law.

·        File any consolidation requests in the appropriate dockets by no later than Nov. 19.

·        File any requests for any desired protective orders, along with the proposed language of the protective order, with the Commission, and to serve that information electronically on all known potential parties to the proceedings.

Interested persons shall file interventions in the appropriate docket as soon as possible.

The Commission also notes that discovery regarding a renewable energy plan and/or an energy optimization plan may commence at any time after the provider files its renewable energy plan and/or an energy optimization plan.

The Commission encourages interested persons who do not seek to intervene as parties to submit public comments.  Written and electronic comments may be filed with the Commission at any time.  Written comments should be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909.  Electronic comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov .  All comments should reference the appropriate Case Number.  All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, available on the Commission's Web site, and subject to disclosure.

Electric utilities in Michigan are:   Alpena Power Company, Consumers Energy Company, The Detroit Edison Company, Edison Sault Electric Company, Indiana Michigan Power Company, Northern States Power Company - Wisconsin (Xcel), Upper Peninsula Power Company, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company

(Case Nos. U-15804 through U-15812).

Electric co-operatives are: Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association, Bayfield Electric Cooperative, Inc., Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Cloverland Electric Cooperative, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, Midwest Energy Cooperative, Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association, Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co‑op, Thumb Electric Cooperative, and Tri-County Electric Cooperative (Case No. U-15813 through U-15822).

Public Act 286 deals with, among other things, the handling of utility rate cases, the certificate of necessity process for construction projects, rate realignment, electric choice, and decoupling.  It is available for viewing here:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/publicact/pdf/2008-PA-0286.pdf

Public Act 295, also known as the Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act, deals with, among other things, the establishment of renewable energy programs and energy optimization plans.  It is available for viewing here:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/publicact/pdf/2008-PA-0295.pdf

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

Case Nos. U-15804 through U-15822