Overview
- An online hearing drew heavy participation and protests over transparency as the MPSC weighed DTE’s request to serve a proposed 250‑acre, $7 billion data center by Related Digital for OpenAI and Oracle in Saline Township.
- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and multiple environmental and consumer groups moved to intervene and urged a contested case, citing heavy redactions and unclear rate impacts; 23 Democratic lawmakers also sought fuller review.
- DTE asked for ex parte approval, asserting no rate increases for existing customers and pointing to safeguards including a 19‑year term, minimum monthly charges, a termination recovery provision, collateral from Oracle, and customer‑funded 1.4‑GW grid batteries.
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer backed the project and expedited action, while unions and business groups cited jobs and investment; filings project about 2,500 construction jobs and 450 permanent positions.
- The commission’s posted agenda for Friday did not list the special contracts, even as DTE warned the deal could be withdrawn without approval by Dec. 5.