Consumers Energy backs MPSC safeguards for large data centers

Consumers Energy has announced that it is opposing Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s petition challenging a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) order that establishes new customer safeguards for large data centers and other energy-intensive businesses.

• MPSC order issued Nov. 6 sets guidelines for energy use of new data centers and large-load customers (≥100 MW), requiring them to pay their full cost of service plus a share of system fixed costs, which Consumers Energy argues protects existing customers while supporting responsible economic growth.
• Consumers Energy, which serves nearly 2 million homes and businesses and 6.8 million residents in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, plans to file an updated Energy Supply Plan next year covering natural gas, renewable resources and battery storage to meet projected business growth and statewide energy needs.
• Event context: This is a news release/announcement, not an event notice.
• Regulatory context: The dispute centers on the Attorney General’s request for an MPSC rehearing of the Nov. 6 order; Consumers Energy publicly urges the Attorney General to drop the challenge and maintains the order is a “useful framework” for Michigan’s economic development.
• Data center relevance: The new tariff applies to data centers and other large-load users ≥100 MW, and Consumers Energy currently has one customer above 100 MW served under a special legislatively established rate.