LANSING – The Michigan Public Service Commission has scheduled two public hearings — one in person, the other held virtually — to take public input on Consumers Energy Co.’s integrated resource plan, or IRP, which outlines the utility’s plans for delivering electricity to its residential and business customers in Michigan.

The purpose of the hearings is for the MPSC to hear public comment on Consumers’ long-range forecasts for ensuring reliable service over the next 20 years, with specific requirements for reporting 5-, 10- and 15-year projections. IRPs were established under Michigan’s 2016 energy laws and are required for each electric utility whose rates are regulated by the MPSC.

“The hearings are a chance for electricity customers to weigh in and have their voices heard on the plans put forward by Consumers Energy,” MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. “We look forward to hearing from residents about their thoughts on the plan.”

The hearings are:

  • In-person Thursday, Sept. 30, 4-7 p.m. at Saginaw Valley State University’s Ott Auditorium in Gilbertson Hall, 7400 Bay Road in Saginaw.
  • By videoconference and phone Monday, Oct. 4, 6-8 p.m. Participation by videoconference is available through this Microsoft Teams hearing link. Those wishing to participate by phone may call 248-509-0316 and enter the conference ID 634 972 57# when prompted.

Consumers Energy provides electric service to about 1.8 million customers in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Consumers’ IRP was filed in June in Case No. U-21090 and remains pending before the Commission.

At both hearings, Scripps and Commissioners Tremaine Phillips and Katherine Peretick will be on hand to hear directly from Consumers customers, and MPSC staff will offer a presentation providing details on the utility’s proposed IRP.

Comments by attendees will become part of the public record, and a transcript of the hearing will be filed in the case docket. Comments also may be mailed to Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909, or emailed to [email protected]. Please include the case number (U-21090) in correspondence.

People who have mobility, visual, hearing or other disabilities should contact the MPSC’s Executive Secretary at 517-284-8090 in advance of the forum to request assistance.

To combat the spread of COVID-19, as of today, Saginaw Valley State requires anyone inside enclosed spaces in campus buildings with more than five people present to wear face masks, regardless of vaccination status. All attendees of the in-person hearing on Sept. 30 must wear a face mask. The MPSC will provide a limited number of masks for those who do not bring their own. Those unable to comply with the mask requirement are encouraged to participate in the virtual public hearing on Oct. 4 or to submit comments in writing.

Background information about integrated resource planning is available in an MPSC issue brief. More detailed information about the Consumers Energy IRP hearings is available in the MPSC’s public notice.