Public Act 87 of 2021 directed the Michigan Public Service Commission to conduct a study into the potential for renewable natural gas development in the state. In part, Public Act 87 directed the Commission to identify and engage interested parties in the development of the study. In response, on December 9, 2021, the Commission issued an Order in Case No. U-21170 establishing the Renewable Natural Gas Study workgroup.
The Renewable Natural Gas Study workgroup was directed to:
- Identify existing and potential sources of renewable natural gas (RNG) in Michigan and estimate the energy content and greenhouse gas abatement potential of these sources.
- Estimate the cost per unit of heat and the potential greenhouse gas emission reduction per unit of heat should potential RNG sources be used to the greatest practical extent.
- Compare the estimated per-unit cost savings of greenhouse gas emission reductions estimated for RNG sources to the estimated likely per-unit cost savings from the use of other carbon abatement technologies, including hydrogen blending, building electrification, and similar technologies.
- Estimate the RNG production potential by applicable feedstock sources in Michigan.
- Identify barriers to developing and utilizing RNG in Michigan.
Public Act 87 also directed the Commission to issue a report to the legislature by September 30, 2022. The Commission enlisted the help of ICF Incorporated, LLC to facilitate the exploration of RNG sources, costs, and estimated greenhouse gas emission reductions, with opportunities for feedback from interested parties, and to assist in delivery of the study requested in Public Act 87.
Final Report
In accordance with Public Act 87, the Commission submitted the RNG Study Final Report to the legislature on September 28, 2022.
Renewable Natural Gas Study Final Report - September 2022
Staff Lead
Lynn Beck
Activities
- The Renewable Natural Gas Study draft outline was posted and distributed to interested parties in December 2021.
- Three meetings were held with interested parties on January 10, 2022, April 20, 2022, and June 29, 2022. These meetings provided an opportunity to review the scope and timeline of the study, allow for input by interested parties, provide updates on the progress of the study, and review the draft report.
- In accordance with Public Act 87, a draft report was posted for review by interested parties prior to the third meeting held on June 29, 2022.
- ICF, with guidance from the MPSC, finalized the RNG Study Report and delivered it to the MPSC in September 2022.
- The final report was delivered to the Michigan Legislature on September 28, 2022.
Meeting Agendas and Presentations
June 29, 2022
Recording
April 20, 2022
Recording
January 10, 2022
Recording
