The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) noted an emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy in its recent 2009 annual report to Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan legislature.

Last year “the commission’s focus turned to the three Rs — rates, regulations and renewable energy sources,” MPSC commissioners told the governor and lawmakers. “Procedures for rate case filings, energy optimization plans, renewable energy plans and reconciliations had to be developed or amended. Investigations were launched; licenses were granted, expanded and terminated; and grants were awarded and received. The commission continues to readily accept the challenge of doing its part in assisting the citizens and businesses of Michigan to become more energy-wise consumers and focus on clean, renewable, and efficient energy sources.”

Part of the effort to increase efficiency is described as energy optimization (EO). The commission said it has reviewed and approved 66 EO plans submitted by the state’s utilities.

“…[T]he commission concluded that for 2009 the aggregate statewide spending for gas and electric EO programs was $89,328,886, and the total spending statewide for the next three years will be $406,132,197,” the report said. “The commission also used this information to help determine the aggregate statewide gas and electricity energy savings target of 563,528 Mcf, approximately 0.1% of the statewide retail gas sales level, and 24,039 megawatt-hours (MWh), approximately 0.3% of the statewide retail electric sales level.”

In other areas, the MPSC last year awarded $55 million for low-income energy assistance and $14 million for low-income energy efficiency from the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund. It also awarded more than $26 million from the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund for Michigan energy efficiency grants. The MPSC hosted statewide consumer forums; made its commission meetings available via podcast; handled 29,473 calls on its toll-free line; and assisted consumers and businesses with more than 9,464 electric and natural gas complaints and inquiries. It processed 1,651 utility complaints on behalf of small businesses.

Among orders issued during 2009 were approvals of the construction of four natural gas pipelines. In addition, the MPSC issued 161 gas well connection permits. The commission also revised the retail natural gas rates of Michigan Gas Utilities (twice) and the retail electric rates of Alpena Power Co., Consumers Energy Co. and Upper Peninsula Power Co. The report is available at www.michigan.gov/mpsc.

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