The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today directed Cherryland Electric Cooperative (Cherryland) to make certain filings and to meet with the MPSC staff as it transitions to a member-regulated cooperative.

Cherryland on April 20 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 as of July 20, assuming it fulfills all of the notice and hearing requirements of the Act.  It would be the first cooperative to become member-regulated since the new law became effective.

As a member regulated cooperative, Cherryland's board of directors is charged with establishing, maintaining and applying all rates, charges, accounting standards, billing practices, and terms and conditions of service.  The MPSC retains jurisdiction and control over all member regulated cooperatives for matters involving safety, interconnection, code of conduct, customer choice, service area, distribution performance standards, and quality of service.

Today's order directs Cherryland to file documentation within seven days to show compliance with the notice and hearing requirements of the law and to begin meetings with the MPSC staff no later than June 15 to discuss issues related to the transition.  The MPSC staff is directed to report to the Commission by July 10 on the results of those discussions.

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

Case No. U-15983