On February 20, 2020, the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) recommended removal of all supply-side resource additions from DTE Energy’s integrated resource plan (IRP) after finding "fundamental flaws" and "significant deficiencies” in the utility’s plan.[1] The IRP DTE submitted proposed continuing to operate the coal-fired Belle River plant for another decade with the reasoning that the utility has no near-term "persistent capacity need" until 2030. However, regulators found this plan to be inadequately justified because the cost analysis lacked environmental upgrade considerations. The order requests for the utility to raise its energy savings goals to 1.75% in 2020 and 2% in 2021. The utility had proposed slightly lower levels of 1.65% in 2020 and 1.75% in 2021. The PSC also recommended that the utility issue a request for proposals for new electric generation, and boost proposed energy efficiency targets. The utility has until March 21, 2020 to file a revised IRP or the commission will deny the IRP. In addition to the IRP deadline, regulators also directed DTE to seek alternatives through an updated renewable energy plan (REP), which outlines the utility’s plan to meet renewable portfolio standards in the state, to be filed no later than April 1, 2020.

[1] https://mi-psc.force.com/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/download/068t0000009jWc2AAE