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Presented by Robert W. Kehres, this program from July 14-18, 2008, in Abuja, Nigeria, addresses significant regulatory challenges in the energy sector. Key discussion points include transmission lines, alternative electric suppliers (AES), and Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). The program outlines requirements for transmission line applications, market opening for AES, and the critical role of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in regulating utilities. Emphasis is placed on ensuring efficient service delivery while mitigating costs and redundancy in utility services.
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MPSC Licensing Issues Energy Regulatory Partnership Program Abuja, Nigeria July 14-18, 2008 Presented by Robert W. Kehres
Discussion Points • Transmission Lines • Alternative Electric Suppliers • Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity • Rule 411 -- Service Area Disputes between existing Electric Utilities
Act 30 of 1995 • After a disputed effort by Consumers Energy Company to construct a major transmission line, the Legislature granted the Commission authority to approve the siting of major and non-major transmission lines • The MPSC has had only two such applications – one was granted and one was rejectede
Requirements of the Act • Transmission line case cannot be filed until the company has held public hearings in each municipality • Adequate notice must be given to affected areas. • Application must identify a route and at least one alternative route • Application must be cost beneficial
Alternative Electric Suppliers • Commission’s initial effort to open the market to AESs was struck down by the courts • Act 141 granted the Commission authority to open energy markets to AESs • Markets had to be opened by January 1, 2002 • Utilities had to be provided full recovery of stranded costs
AES Requirements • Commission established licensing procedure by order • AESs must maintain an office in Michigan • MPSC had to examine the AES’s managerial, financial, and technical capabilities. • AESs must maintain adequate records and agree to collect taxes
Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity • Act 69 of 1929 • No public utility shall begin construction of any utility plant or render service for the purpose of carrying on a local business in any place where another utility is conducting a similar business without obtaining from the Commission a certificate of public convenience and necessity
CPCN Requirements • Franchise from the municipality • Notice to municipalities and other utilities • Public hearing to consider • Adequacy of existing service • Investment by the utility • Benefits to be achieved • Effect on rates • Other factors
Rule 411 • An administrative rule to govern which of two or more utilities serving one area should be permitted to serve a customer in the area • This is not an AES situation • This is all about having only one company’s distribution facilities in one area
Rule 411 • Customer preference is not necessarily a controlling factor • Weight is given to the provision of service by a utility to the location in the past • Weight is also given to the distance that facilities must be extended • Goal is to eliminate redundant facilities, which only add to all customers’ costs • Also, safety is always a concern