Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comments Siting And Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge PSC to scrutinize data centers and battery storage near homes and aquifers
Summary
During public comment at the April 17 meeting, three speakers urged the commission to examine cooling methods for data centers, raised safety and groundwater concerns about a proposed 260 MW battery storage site near farms, and questioned utility donations amid proposed rate increases.
Three members of the public used the Michigan Public Service Commission's public-comment period on April 17 to press the commission on data-center cooling, battery energy storage siting, and utility donations.
Helena Florenton of Wayne County presented a list of about 10 data-center-related bills under consideration in the state legislature and asked commissioners to scrutinize cooling systems — whether evaporative, open-loop, closed-loop, or alternatives such as geothermal cooling fields — and the potential impacts on groundwater and local water supplies. Florenton said she could not find information in public filings about the cooling method for a data-center project near Van Buren Township and urged the commission to engage with legislators and other stakeholders on these issues.
Caller Pat Miller, who identified himself as living south of Grand Rapids, questioned why Consumers Energy would seek rate relief if it were simultaneously making large donations, citing a news report that the company donated $1 million to Grand Rapids public schools. "If they can afford to do that, why do they need a pay increase to make the electric more reliable for their customers?" Miller asked.
Katie Schneider of Kalamazoo (Ashimo Township) described a 52-acre parcel bordering her 29-acre produce farm that has been leased for a 260-megawatt battery energy storage system and substation. Schneider said the site is near hundreds of homes, lies above a major aquifer 70 feet below permeable sand and gravel, drains to Lake Michigan through Hayden Creek, and is adjacent to a state wildlife area and fish hatchery. She said other large parcels exist along the transmission corridor and asked the commission to "consider amending case U-21547 to separate battery storage from solar and wind siting standards and clarify that PA 233 does not override local zoning standards under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act." Schneider said states including New York and California are restricting storage projects near homes.
Commissioners did not respond substantively during the public-comment period; the chair thanked each commenter and the commission closed the public-comment period. The meeting record indicates the commission continues to rely on docketed filings and judicial or legislative authority for formal siting and rulemaking decisions.
