As electric vehicle initiatives move forward in Michigan, the state’s Public Service Commission (MPSC) has put out a call for public input on the development of pilot programs for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).
The commission intends to use such pilot programs to help the public determine rates, get a better assessment of impacts to the electrical grid, educate residents, and evaluate the role utilities will play in infrastructure deployment and cost recovery from customers. The cost-benefits of charger deployments and what the lower rates for off-peak times will look like will also be up for discussion. Further, the MPSC expects these pilot programs to come from a host of sources, including utilities, automobile manufacturers, environmental groups, clean air organizations, transportation consultants, and even charging equipment companies.
Comments are being taken in both written and electronic form on the issue but will need to be submitted by Nov. 17.
Also related to electric issues, the MPSC approved Consumers Energy refunds that will average around $3.45 for state customers. The refund is due to Consumers having collected over $16 million more in rates than the Commission ended up approving last December. Consumers customers will also be receiving a
52 cent credit on their November gas bills this year, as a result of revenue decoupling revenues.