DTE, Google Face Ratepayer Backlash Over Data Center Contracts
The Michigan Public Service Commission will decide on DTE contracts for Google's 1-gigawatt data center in Van Buren Township. This is the first contested rate case for a hyperscale data center in the state.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and environmental groups are calling for stronger ratepayer protections, citing concerns that existing customers could be charged if the data center uses less power than expected or closes before its 20-year contract expires.
The project will require significant amounts of energy, with DTE announcing plans to bring online 1.6 GW of renewable energy and up to 480 MW of battery storage. However, environmental groups question whether DTE will deliver on these promises, and whether additional fossil fuel plants will be needed.