MPSC Directs 15 Michigan Electric Utilities to Create Rates for Municipalities Using LED Technologies

Contact: Judy Palnau (517) 241-3323

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today directed 15 Michigan electric utilities to file applications seeking approval of tariffs (rates) that govern the provision of unmetered street lighting, area lighting, and traffic signal services based on emerging light-emitting diode (LED) technologies used by municipalities.   The Detroit Edison Company was directed to do the same thing in its rate case decided by the MPSC today in Case No. U-15768 et al.

"Cities around Michigan have moved forward with switching to LED lighting to use less electricity and more are expected to," noted Commissioner Monica Martinez.  "Today's order directs all regulated electric utilities to update their tariffs for LED lighting so these municipalities will reap the benefits of their increased efficiency efforts by having lower bills."

The utilities have until Feb. 10 to file applications in new dockets seeking ex parte approval of the new tariffs.

The electric utilities are:  Alpena Power Company, Consumers Energy Company, Edison Sault Electric Company, Indiana Michigan Power Company, Northern States Power Company - Wisconsin, Upper Peninsula Power Company, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Wisconsin Electric Power Company, 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.

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

Case No. U-16186