Planet Detroit on DTE Energy
Michigan regulators blow past DTE’s data center deadline
Michigan regulators announce virtual hearing Dec. 18 on a planned Saline Township data center’s wetland, stream, and floodplain impacts.
‘Get it right’: Residents urge Michigan regulators not to rush DTE deal for Saline Township data center
A virtual hearing on DTE’s plans to power a $7 billion Oracle and OpenAI data center draws commenters worried about power bills, energy reliability, and environmental costs. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and union representatives stress the project’s economic benefits.
Demonstrators at DTE headquarters voice objections to 1.4 gigawatt data center deal
The protest outside DTE Energy headquarters precedes a virtual hearing by state regulators on a 1.4 gigawatt data center deal in Saline Township.
‘No secret deals’: Protest targets DTE’s fast-moving Saline Township data center request
Bridgewater Township resident Josh LeBaron says resistance to data centers is politically unifying: “In a deeply divided country, there’s something in this issue for everyone to hate.”
DTE wants power deal for $7 billion data center approved by Dec. 5: ‘False sense of urgency’
DTE Energy’s fast-track application for electric contracts required for a $7 billion data center shows a lack of transparency, says renewable energy group’s attorney.
Trump exempts Zug Island’s EES Coke Battery from new pollution rules for 2 years
In May, Planet Detroit reported that EES Coke Battery was offered a two-year exemption by the Trump administration from deadlines to comply with air pollution standards.
Michigan’s utility regulator under fire over DTE Energy data center contracts: Public hearing or ‘performative listening’?
Michigan’s Public Service Commission is hosting a virtual public hearing on DTE Energy’s fast-track proposal to power a massive new data center in Saline Township. The plan has sparked backlash from the attorney general and environmental groups, who argue it lacks transparency and could affect ratepayers.
Meta behind planned Howell data center: Township trustee
Members of the group Stop the Data Centers Livingston County say a moratorium passed Thursday does not apply to the current developer.
Howell Township officials under pressure to approve $1 billion data center: ‘DTE is going to have to pivot’
The Howell Township board, at the center of the debate over a $1 billion data center proposal, is scheduled to consider a six-month data center moratorium Thursday .
DTE contracts for $7 billion Saline Township data center face public hearing
DTE is asking Michigan’s utility regulator to approve special contracts for electric service for a 1.4-gigawatt data center in Saline Township.
DTE seeks $163 million gas rate hike as heating help dwindles
DTE’s rate hike request comes as Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt.
$7 billion Saline Township data center reignites concern over Michigan climate plan ‘off ramp’
DTE looks to fast-track OpenAI facility, while environmental advocates raise alarms over utilities’ plans to build more gas plants to meet massive energy needs of data centers.
Developer announces $7 billion data hyperscale data center in Saline Township after settlement
Tech giants OpenAI, Oracle, and developer Related Digital are set to transform Saline Township with a $7 billion hyperscale data center project, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
Utility shutoffs are ‘survival issue,’ says state rep who backs winter restrictions
Detroit residents, lawmakers, and activists gather on Detroit’s east side to push for bills targeting soaring utility costs, frequent outages, and service shutoffs.
How government shutdown could add to strain on Michigan ratepayers
Government shutdown and interruption of LIHEAP are only the latest issue for the utility assistance program, which had its staff cut by the Trump administration. Some resources are still available for Michigan ratepayers.
First of 5 Detroit solar neighborhoods launches: ‘Cleaner, more sustainable future’
The Van Dyke Lynch site is the first of five solar fields planned across Detroit.
Michigan utility customers need protection from data center costs, demonstrators say
The chair of Michigan’s utility regulator warns “lumpier” data center power demand growth could stick other customers with costs.
Consumers Energy case sheds light on how Michigan data centers could hike your power bill
Michigan regulators are considering a Consumers Energy case that could indicate how the state plans to protect residential customers from potential price hikes caused by power-hungry data centers.
GUIDE: What is the Michigan Public Service Commission and what does it do?
Read Planet Detroit’s guide to the Michigan regulator that decides how much you pay utilities for electric and natural gas service, and learn how you can participate in these decisions.
Detroiters behind on DTE bills need more help than nonprofits can offer: ‘It’s just too much’
More help is coming for Michiganders who are behind on utility bills, but will it be enough to help families avoid shut-off?
EPA, EES Coke Battery are $135 million apart on Clean Air Act penalties as Zug Island pollution trial ends
The EPA is seeking a $140 million civil penalty against Zug Island’s EES Coke Battery, while the facility and its owner DTE Energy propose a $5 million penalty.
DTE’s Zug Island operation switched fuel sources after damage to facility: Court testimony
EES Coke Battery on Zug Island switched to coke oven gas as its exclusive fuel source after damage to the facility was discovered around 2011 and 2012, according to federal court testimony.
EES Coke Battery exec: Pollution controls cost more than Zug Island facility is worth
EES Coke Battery’s net worth is about $135 million to $155 million, executive vice president testifies Thursday.
DTE Energy witness defends Detroit’s air quality in Zug Island trial testimony
Toxicologist Kathryn Kelly agrees with statement that Detroit’s air quality is “very good” in Wednesday testimony.
Washtenaw communities fight data center developments: ‘Not soft touches’
Data center proposals in Washtenaw County force local officials to weigh in on massive developments that could bring significant local tax revenue — and transform rural landscapes.
48217 resident testifies about life near Zug Island: ‘Your eyes burn’
Theresa Landrum, who’s lived in Detroit’s 48217 zip code her entire life, says her environmental activism is a “personal necessity” in Zug Island pollution trial testimony.
DTE Energy lawyer asks judge to decide on utility’s liability for Zug Island air pollution
DTE’s motion comes during the bench trial of an EPA lawsuit over sulfur dioxide emissions from EES Coke Battery on Zug Island.
Pollution controls would cut sulfur dioxide from Zug Island by 95%: EPA engineer
Until pollution controls are installed, a Zug Island facility will continue to emit about 3,000 tons of sulfur dioxide per year, an EPA environmental engineer says in court testimony.
Zug Island pollution causes premature deaths, Harvard epidemiologist says
A Harvard epidemiologist testifies on the social costs incurred by air pollution from Zug Island’s EES Coke Battery.
What we’re reading: Whitmer orders state to remove barriers to COVID-19 vaccines
Oakland County is challenging state permit requirements that came after a 1.2 million gallon sewage discharge into the Red Run Drain in April.
Zug Island’s EES Coke Battery singlehandedly put air quality over federal limits: Expert testimony
An air quality expert testifies about a computer-generated model used to evaluate pollution from Zug Island.
EPA seeks $140 million penalty against DTE Energy in Zug Island pollution trial
A trial witness says he’s “very comfortable” stating that DTE Energy can pay a nine-figure penalty to resolve an EPA lawsuit over Zug Island pollution.
DTE Energy’s control over Zug Island subsidiary ‘unprecedented’: Expert witness
The government is seeking injunctive relief and penalties of up to $109,024 per day, per environmental violation from EES Coke Battery and DTE Energy.
Zug Island pollution lawsuit goes to trial: What it means for DTE Energy
A bench trial in the EPA’s lawsuit over EES Coke Battery’s sulfur dioxide emissions starts Monday.
Michigan utility customers suffered nation’s longest power outages in 2023: How DTE, Consumers contributed
Utility watchdog criticizes Michigan regulator’s response to report, arguing it ignores the real experience of customers.
Skyrocketing energy bills: Can Michigan lawmakers protect DTE, Consumers ratepayers?
A new legislative package aims to empower Michigan utility customers by ensuring fair compensation for outages, advocating for performance-based rates, ending political contributions by utilities.
What we’re reading: Jefferson Chalmers sewer upgrade funds paused due to FEMA cuts
An $11.3 million federal grant to expand sewers in Detroit’s flood-prone Jefferson Chalmers is on hold after FEMA program cuts, amid legal battles by Democratic states. Huron-Clinton Metroparks is gathering community feedback to shape future park priorities. DTE Energy’s $10 billion smart grid plan aims to slash outages by 30%.
Public power push: Will Ann Arbor say goodbye to DTE?
Ann Arbor residents prepare ballot proposal to to form a public electric utility board, aiming to replace DTE Energy amid concerns over high rates and frequent outages.
DTE Energy must face Zug Island pollution litigation: Federal judge
A federal judge says there is evidence demonstrating that DTE Energy exercised control over EES Coke Battery’s emissions on Zug Island.
Ballot drive to end DTE political contributions clears state canvassers board
Michiganders for Money Out of Politics now must collect 356,958 signatures within 180 days.
Transfer prices and your bill: What Michigan’s clean energy law means for you
In Michigan, the Public Service Commission’s deliberations on clean energy pricing and utility credits impact how quickly the state converts to renewable energy.
Group behind effort to ban DTE, Consumers political spending lays groundwork
Organizers behind proposed ballot initiative to ban political spending by Michigan utilities hold town halls to educate voters and volunteers.
Ballot drive kicks off to put Washtenaw County data center decision in hands of voters
Augusta Township residents are gathering signatures to challenge a rezoning decision for a planned $1 billion data center. Concerns over rising utility costs, environmental impact, and grid strain drive their efforts.
DTE Energy lawyer: Utility not liable for Zug Island facility in Clean Air Act lawsuit
The EPA’s position of holding the parent company liable would “destroy” the point of corporations, and “pierce the corporate veil,” an attorney for DTE Energy and EES Coke Battery says in federal court.
Annexation is Rogelio Landin’s central strategy in Detroit mayoral write-in campaign: ‘More is more’
Write-in Detroit mayoral candidate Rogelio Landin calls for annexation of 28 communities around Detroit to form a larger, more efficient city.
Attorney Todd Perkins says Detroit will be ‘environmentally conscious’ if he’s mayor
The rollbacks in federal pollution regulations are “draconian,” says attorney and Detroit mayoral candidate Todd Perkins.
Detroit mayoral candidate Jonathan Barlow on balancing development, environment: ‘Before they get, they have to give’
By the time a Detroit economic development project reaches the community benefits stage, it’s too late to secure environmental protections, says mayoral candidate Jonathan Barlow.
Lifelong Detroiter DaNetta Simpson’s priority in mayoral campaign? ‘Neighborhoods.’
DaNetta Simpson, who is running for Detroit mayor for the third time, is a lifelong resident with a plan for a city insurance program to address home repairs and blight.
‘Detroit needs to take its water back’: Mayoral candidate Joel Haashiim on utility shutoffs
Detroit mayoral candidate Joel Haashiim talks pollution enforcement, utility shutoffs, flooding, why he opposes neighborhood solar developments, and more with Planet Detroit.
Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins says she’ll work for city’s most vulnerable
Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins talks environmental impact, utility affordability, public transit, public health, ICE, the Office of Sustainability, and the tree canopy with Planet Detroit.