Public utilities: other; contracts to service data centers; require to be treated as a contested case. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6bb.
Key claim: HB5982 would require public-utility contracts to service data centers to be treated as contested cases under Michigan’s utility statute.
Abstract
(HB5982 · 103rd Legislature) Public utilities: other; contracts to service data centers; require to be treated as a contested case. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6bb. Sponsor: Rep. Reggie Miller (D) + 3 co-sponsors In committee: H Government Operations Latest action (2026-05-19): Bill Electronically Reproduced 05/14/2026
Why this matters
Treating data-center service contracts as contested cases would open utility deals with large hyperscale loads to formal MPSC adjudication, giving ratepayer advocates, intervenors, and competitors a chance to scrutinize cost allocation and terms. For utilities and data-center developers, it adds procedural time and disclosure risk to what have historically been confidential bilateral arrangements. The change fits a broader Michigan legislative pattern of layering oversight onto rapidly growing data-center electricity demand.