The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) convened today in Lansing to make a pivotal decision regarding DTE Energy’s contract to power a proposed data center in Saline Township. This project, which aims to generate 1.4 gigawatts of electricity, has been at the center of heated discussions within the community due to concerns about costs, transparency, and potential impacts on local residents.
The data center, designed for OpenAI by Oracle and Related Digital, has drawn significant public scrutiny. Opponents have raised numerous issues, including the potential for increased utility bills, noise pollution, and impacts on property values. Many residents are particularly frustrated by the lack of clear information about the contract between DTE and the developers, with Attorney General Dana Nessel criticizing the situation as lacking transparency. During the previous MPSC meeting on December 5, 2023, over 100 individuals participated, voicing their concerns both in person and online.
At that meeting, the MPSC postponed a vote on DTE’s contract application, allowing more time for public input. Nessel has emphasized the need for clarity, stating that her office received only a heavily redacted copy of the contract, which she deemed insufficient for public oversight. As she articulated in an interview, “This contract is not where they will start. If they were, then this redacted contract would not be all that we have to show for it.”
Residents of Saline Township, which has an estimated population of 2,000, have expressed strong opposition to the data center project. Community members argue that a decision made without adequate transparency would set a concerning precedent. One resident pointed out, “DTE is the largest political spender in the state, and they stand to make billions off of this contract, which we are not allowed to be privy to.”
The MPSC’s meeting today is crucial, as it was originally scheduled for a vote on the contract back in December. DTE had attempted to expedite the process, presenting a deadline that has since been extended. Today’s meeting, set for 1 p.m., has become a focal point for residents and stakeholders who are closely monitoring the outcome.
With the potential for a data center that could power 1.4 million homes, the stakes are high for both the local community and DTE. The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for Saline Township and its residents as they navigate the balance between technological development and community welfare.