Title
Resolution to Approve Professional Services Agreement with Varnum LLP, for Legal Services Relative to MPSC Case No. U-20471 ($45,000.00)
Memorandum
The City purchases power from DTE Electric Company (DTE) and also supplies power to DTE from two hydroelectric power generation facilities, the Barton Dam and the Superior Dam (the "Hydro Facilities"). The Hydro Facilities provide clean and renewable energy and capacity to DTE. Ann Arbor has recently set a goal of powering 100% of municipal government operations by means of renewable power by 2035 and a goal of reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050. Local renewable energy generation as well as the greening of the DTE electric grid will both be essential in meeting the City's goals and doing all that is possible to mitigate global climate change.
On March 29, 2019, DTE filed an Application, Testimony, and Exhibits with the Michigan Public Services Commission ("MPSC") seeking approval of its Integrated Resource Plan ("IRP") pursuant to MCL 460.6t, and for other relief (the "Application") in what is called Case No. U-20471. In its Application, DTE describes being "in the midst of a fundamental transformation of its resource portfolio." This transformation includes retirement of coal plants, and the addition of a variety of new resources, which apparently have yet to be precisely determined, but includes additional renewable resources for DTE's Voluntary Green Pricing ("VGP") program.
In April, the City petitioned to intervene in Case No. U-20471 to contend that DTE's plans for its IRP generally, and its VGP program and renewable energy projections specifically, should adequately account for the known demand of its existing customers, including Ann Arbor, for renewable energy; and that DTE's plan as filed needs to reflect a much more significant investment in renewable energy in order to increase supply and eventually lower price, reducing barriers to accessing green power so that the City...
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