LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — The old saying that knowledge is power is literally proving true. The state is ordering DTE Energy back to the drawing board to make changes to the 15-year-business plan it submitted last year.
The plan is required due to a new law that aims to give the Michigan Public Service Commission the ability to weigh in with a louder voice on how utility company’s operate.
7 Action News told you how critics accused DTE of using inaccurate numbers to determine costs. One criticism was they were restricting models, for example by setting coal plants as must run plants in software programs aimed at seeking efficiency, even when it costs more.
“They need to do their math right,” said Michelle Martinez of the Environmental Justice Coalition.
DTE defended the plan and the numbers used, saying it was about reliability and efficiency.
“I think our plan is really solid. We are going to be shutting down three of our coal fired power plants a year early is what we volunteered to do. We are going to continue to expand out energy efficiency program,” said Trevor Lauer, President of DTE Electric.
The Michigan Public Service Commission during its hearing on Thursday said that it received a record amount of public comments.
“We appreciate the unprecedented amount of public participation generated by the interest in this case, a clear indication that Michiganders are becoming more engaged in helping to shape Michigan’s energy future,” Sally Talberg, the chair of the MPSC, said.
The commission then voted to send DTE quote,” back to the drawing board.”
Taking a look at some of the big changes it wants to see:
It wants DTE to look into whether it can buy renewable energy from other companies at a lower cost than it takes to run its coal plants.
It wants DTE to look into retiring its Belle River coal plant earlier than 2029.
The Commission recommends DTE expand programs to help customers cut energy waste.
The commission called for DTE to adjust its energy savings goal. Instead of 1.65 percent this year, it wants to see 1.75 percent.
Earlier this month President of DTE Electric Trevor Lauer said the company is open to adjustments and has the same goals as environmentalists who voiced criticism of the plan.
“DTE’s job is to produce clean power and to do it as fast as we can for our customers. It is to lower our carbon output which has a direct correlation back to health care. It is to do it at the lowest cost to consumers,” said Lauer.
DTE sent WXYZ a statement in response to the Michigan Public Service Commission’s action, saying:
DTE’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) reflects our long-term goals and plans to be a leader in providing cleaner energy to our customers. The Commission’s action today is an important step in this iterative process and we are evaluating the recommendations in preparation for filing our response. Since 2009, DTE has been the largest investor in renewables in Michigan, driving $3 billion in solar and wind energy infrastructure and investments. Over the next decade, we will triple our renewable energy assets, generating enough energy from wind and solar to power more than 1.3 million homes with clean energy. As one of the first U.S. energy companies to announce a net zero carbon emissions goal, we are proud of our commitment to cut our carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2040. Our plan of action also enables us to continue to provide our customers with significant energy efficiency savings.
