"Starting this process early will assist in the orderly implementation of Michigan's new energy laws, and will help expedite the processing of the companies' future applications by the MPSC," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu. 

Today's order directs natural gas utilities in Michigan to do the following:

·        File any consolidation requests in the appropriate dockets by Nov. 19.

·       File requests for any desired protective orders, along with the proposed language of the protective order, with the Commission, and 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 an energy optimization plan may commence at any time after the provider files its 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.

Natural gas utilities are:  Consumers Energy Company; Michigan Consolidated Gas Company; Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation; Northern States Power Company - Wisconsin (Xcel); SEMCO Energy, Inc.; and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation).

Public Act 286 deals with, among other things, the handling of utility rate cases.  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 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-15889 through U-15894