MPSC Approves Process for Addressing Requests Under MISO’s Expedited Resource Addition Study

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved a process for addressing requests filed under the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS) tariff (Case No. U-21902), a temporary process to speed up the review of new electric generation projects to address resource adequacy and reliability needs in MISO’s territory in the near term.

Under ERAS, new electric generation projects should be approved by utility regulators before consideration by MISO. The process established was designed in response to the requirement and showcase some of the unique features of Michigan’s regulatory framework.

The Commission sought comments on a revised process proposal for addressing requests filed under the ERAS tariff. The order reviews comments and explains the process the Commission approved.

The Commission also verified that three DTE Electric energy storage and renewable energy projects are eligible to be included in the ERAS process.

The DTE Electric projects that the Commission deemed eligible for fast-tracked interconnection study include the 350 MW Monroe Storage Project in Monroe County and the 200-MW Fermi Storage Project, both of which will connect to a new substation the company is building in Monroe County; as well as the company’s 175-MW Au Gres Solar Park Project, which will connect to a new substation in Arenac County. The three projects are anticipated to begin commercial operation in 2028.

The Commission’s approval of the projects for ERAS inclusion does not indicate the Commission’s overall approval of the projects. However, the Commission’s decisions on project approval will take place when the projects are formally submitted, while decision on cost recovery will happen in appropriate future rate cases or other cost-recovery proceedings.

Moreover, the Commission approved three Consumers Energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) for battery electric storage projects, one of which has sought approval for fast-tracking through the ERAS process (Case No. U-21090).

The Commission approved the company’s three 20-year PPAs with Grand Basin Energy Storage in Jackson County, Hackett Energy Storage in Saginaw County and Lakeside Energy Storage in Mason County for the capacity, energy, renewable energy credits and environmental attributes produced by three 100-MW battery energy storage systems with commercial operation expected in 2027 and 2028.

The Hackett Energy Storage project developer has requested consideration for approval of the project’s eligibility for ERAs inclusion in the same docket. Costs for the projects are expected to be approved by the Commission in future proceedings.