Residents urge stricter routing for ITC transmission project and raise DTE rebate complaint during public comment

During public comment, Emily Chalkley of Tona, Michigan urged the commission to scrutinize ITC’s proposed transmission line routing and the company’s public statements, saying residents reported ITC representatives said eminent domain is easier than rerouting along a highway. Chalkley said that routing along the highway would better serve residents even if more challenging and called for transparency about project impacts on property values and health risks.

"ITC reps have repeatedly stated that it's easier to claim eminent domain than to move the route to follow the highway," Chalkley said, urging the commission to vet that claim and hold ITC to its stated culture and values. She also questioned ITC materials on property value impacts and cited outdated public safety documents, saying updated research is needed.

Separately, Ibad Sayad of Novi described filing a formal complaint last year alleging DTE failed to follow its policies when installing a secondary meter at his residence and said DTE refused to process a rebate application he submitted. Sayad described delays and what he called a retaliatory response by DTE and questioned the commission’s oversight role and effectiveness.

Both speakers asked the commission to carefully review company practices and ensure residents are treated fairly. The commission listened but did not respond to comments during the public comment period; the meeting record indicates the commission accepts written comments to the docket email address provided in the meeting notice.