LANSING – The Michigan Planning Consortium, created Tuesday by the Public Service Commission, is charged with trying to find the most efficient way to ensure the state has sufficient power in the coming years.
The consortium (case No. U-15590) would include a variety of representatives on the supply side of the power equation, including the utilities, transmission companies and alternative providers.
“Michigan has many entities such as independent transmission-only companies, generation and distribution utilities and alternative resource providers whose focus is on Michigan’s energy infrastructure,” said PSC Chair Orjiakor Isiogu. “With rising energy costs, however, the MPSC needs to ensure that there is adequate coordination among different entities to thoroughly examine the costs that affect Michigan ratepayers and businesses. This requires a comprehensive infrastructure planning process to make sure that Michigan’s electric needs are met in ways that consider all the alternatives and result in the most reasonable cost solutions.”
In addition to recommendations on the best infrastructure for Michigan, the consortium would also be charged with making recommendations on the most effective way for Michigan to participate in regional planning efforts.
ADVANCED METERING: The PSC is seeking comment (case No. U-15620) on potential minimum standards for advanced metering infrastructure. The new meters would allow reading, and some control, of customer power use from a central utility office.
The commission is seeking comment now because utilities have some pilots of the programs expected to launch in the coming months.
Among the information the PSC is seeking is whether it should prescribe the minimum functions of the new meters and how costs for the new meters should be allocated between the utility and customers.
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