In Michigan, tensions flare as state agencies and energy giants tangle in disputes that wrangle the public’s interests. On one hand, Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging DTE Energy’s commitment—or perceived lack thereof—to protecting customers from footing the bill for a new hyperscale AI data center. On the other hand, state senators are fiercely advocating for changes to Child Protective Services (CPS) following the tragic death of a 5-year-old Detroit boy, Ethan Belcher, who was let down by the very system meant to protect him.
Attorney General Nessel, determined not to allow energy consumers to subsidize DTE’s new data center, filed a motion to reopen the matter of the utility’s application for approval of special contracts. According to the Michigan Department of Attorney General, the Commissions’ demand for DTE to ensure “payments made by Green Chile Ventures LLC under Rate Schedule D11 and the special contracts will cover the costs to serve Green Chile Ventures LLC” has been met with a response that Nessel finds concerning. DTE’s altered language in their agreement could potentially place a financial burden on existing customers and lead to the subsidization of the data center’s costs. Nessel is pushing for a contested case proceeding to fully review DTE’s actions and intentions.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s lawmakers, driven by a harrowing case that speaks to the deeper systemic faults in child welfare, are striving to overhaul CPS. Republican Senator Jim Runestad, speaking to ClickOnDetroit, described CPS as a “crash and burn disaster,” citing the return of Ethan Belcher to his abusive parents despite clear warning signs as a testament to the system’s failure. Runestad’s proposed legislation aims to increase transparency by allowing legislators access to CPS case records, aiming to prevent future tragedies by ensuring proper oversight and accountability. “CPS knew that there was abuse going on,” attorney Zachary Runyan told the outlet, reinforcing the sentiment that Ethan’s death was preventable…