# Michigan Act 30 and the MPSC, explained

## Michigan Act 30 and the MPSC

A new power line could help keep electricity reliable while changing the places it crosses. Michigan's Act 30 sets the approval process for certain transmission lines. The Michigan Public Service Commission, or MPSC, makes that decision.

## What does the MPSC do?

Transmission lines carry power over long distances. The Commission also reviews utility rates, service, and future power needs under other laws.

## What does Act 30 cover?

The main size tests are five miles and 345 kilovolts or more. Kilovolts measure voltage. Ownership rules and exceptions matter.

## How is a project reviewed?

Approval asks whether the benefits justify construction, the route can work and makes sense, and health and safety are protected. Affected owners can participate.

## Other facilities. Other laws.

Pipelines, solar farms, and wind projects use other laws. Permission to build doesn't settle what customers pay.

## Who pays for a large customer?

For a large data center, a separate contract can address who pays if the customer leaves.

## More than construction

State laws also give the Commission responsibilities for outages, safety, and planning.

## Upcoming filing-rule hearing

As of October 7, the Commission had scheduled an October 21 hearing on proposed filing rules. For a project near you, check its route, latest decision, and comment deadline.