November 25, 2003

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today dismissed a complaint brought

by the Attorney General against Consumers Energy Company, in which the Attorney General had alleged that stray voltage in rural areas of Michigan has been adversely affecting the health and milk production of dairy cattle.  MPSC Chair J. Peter Lark abstained from voting in this case.

The MPSC determined that the scientific evidence and expert testimony presented by the parties was inconclusive on factual issues, so that it could not make findings as to whether the utility’s electric distribution facilities are causing stray voltage to be present in quantities sufficient to impair farm livestock. 

The MPSC, however, also determined that the potential for harm was significant enough to justify further examination of these issues.  Therefore, the MPSC is opening a new docket in Case No. U-13934.

In the new docket, the MPSC is soliciting comments and reply comments regarding whether it should promulgate new stray voltage standards that would be applicable to all electric utilities in Michigan.  The MPSC is further soliciting proposals for the content of any standards that might be promulgated.  The initial comments will be due on April 1, 2004, and reply comments will be due on May 3, 2004.  The MPSC encourages interested persons to enter into discussions and to collaborate on joint positions.  An important purpose of this proceeding is to promote as much consensus as possible among persons with diverse interests.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

Cases Nos. U-11684, U-13934

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