MPSC to hold community hearing in Ludington to share info on transmission line expansion and how the public may participate

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The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold a community hearing to help educate the public about the planned expansion of electric transmission lines to strengthen Michigan’s power grid and how the public can participate to ensure their voices are heard.

The hearing comes ahead of significant new transmission lines authorized by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, which manages major high-voltage electric transmission lines in Michigan, 14 other states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. In December 2024, MISO approved a batch of new transmission projects as part of its Long-Range Transmission Plan, including several proposed for Michigan.

The Commission will hold its community hearing on Aug. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at West Shore Community College’s Center Stage Theater – Arts & Sciences Center, 3000 N. Stiles Road in Scottville, northeast of Ludington. Commissioners and MPSC Staff will be on hand for the event.

The MPSC has updated filing guidelines regarding these future projects and plans to initiate a rulemaking regarding transmission line siting applications and proceedings. The Commission earlier this year announced improvements in the siting process, strengthening public engagement and urging more transparency in line routing to protect property owners.

Participants in the hearing will learn more about:

• MISO’s approval process and the broader context in which the project was proposed and approved.
• How electric transmission lines are sited in Michigan.
• The MPSC’s upcoming rulemaking process and opportunities for comment in that proceeding.
• Opportunities for public participation in the transmission line planning process.

The MPSC serves as an expert, impartial regulator committed to consumer protection, fairness and transparency. For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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