AG Nessel criticizes DTE Energy data center approval process

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is continuing to criticize DTE Energy’s involvement in a new data center in Washtenaw County as the utility looks to have plans for the facility fast-tracked.

Nessel and the Michigan Environmental Council hosted a virtual roundtable discussion Tuesday, focusing on “the need for a full contested case” before the Michigan Public Service Commission to “ensure transparency and protection for Michigan ratepayers.”

DTE has filed an ex parte application with the MPSC for approval of two special contracts to provide electricity to the proposed 1.4-gigawatt data center in Saline Township.

The attorney general has expressed concern about the lack of public hearings on the matter, saying DTE has “specifically requested that its application be approved with no formal hearings or any of the traditional oversight in place that secures the interests of ratepayers and the public.”

During Tuesday’s roundtable, Nessel urged the commission to consider questions surrounding the project and potential financial risks to DTE customers. Nessel contends that the commission is being pressured to move quickly through the process.

“My concern is that it appears as though the commission is under extraordinary and unprecedented political and industry pressure to ram through these special contracts for DTE without any public discovery,” Nessel said.

Long-term energy policy concerns

The attorney general said she has been sounding the alarm that these contracts could shape Michigan’s energy policy for decades. She said without a contested case, residents could be stuck paying the price if the companies behind the data centers pack up and leave.

Others at the roundtable raised concerns that if DTE is allowed to bypass public input, other utilities could follow suit.

DTE is holding a two-hour virtual public hearing on the data center Dec. 3. The MPSC is scheduled to meet formally on Dec. 5, which is the date by which DTE has requested these special contracts be approved.

Other data center drama in Michigan

Communities across Michigan are pushing back on data center proposals, including in Howell Township, where tech giant Meta is reportedly the company behind a proposal that has now been placed under moratorium.

Earlier this month officials unveiled plans for a data center in Downtown Lansing, with UK-based Deep Green, leading the efforts. The Lansing Board of Water & Light says the 24-megawatt data center would generate free heat to be used by the BWL’s steam and future hot water utility. BWL says they have enough energy for the facility’s initial operations.

That project is also being met by opposition from residents, with the League of Women Voters and other community members calling for more transparency.

Meanwhile in Northern Michigan, plans for a data center in Kalkaska County have been scrapped after residents pushed back.

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