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SB 931

Public utilities: electric utilities; new electronic transmission infrastructure; require to use existing rights-of-way. Amends sec. 7 of 1995 PA 30 (MCL 460.567).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires large electric transmission projects to file a detailed, transparent certification application with route analyses, need, costs, benefits, health/safety and envir

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Bill Summary · SB 931

Summary of Senate Bill 931 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends the Electric Transmission Line Certification Act (1995 PA 30), specifically section 7 (MCL 460.567), as amended by 2004 PA 198.
  • It governs the process for electric utilities to obtain state certification for proposed major transmission lines, focusing on application requirements and the information the Public Service Commission (the “commission”) may require.

Key provisions and changes

  • Applicability (section 7(1))

    • Applies to:
    • Electric utilities with 50,000 or more residential customers in Michigan,
    • An affiliated transmission company, or
    • An independent transmission company.
    • Such entities must apply to the commission for a certificate for a proposed major transmission line.
    • Applicants may withdraw an application at any time.

  • Required content of an application (section 7(2))
    The application must include, at minimum, the following items:

    1. Planned start date for construction.
    2. A detailed description of the proposed major transmission line, its route, expected configuration, and use.
    3. Evaluation of one or more alternative routes and an explanation of why the proposed route was chosen.
    4. Description of the evaluation and selection process for the proposed route, including consideration of opportunities to parallel with existing rights-of-way or to collocate with the applicant’s existing transmission lines.
    5. If a zoning ordinance affects the route, description of how zoning inhibits or regulates the route’s location or development.
    6. Estimated overall cost of the proposed line.
    7. Information supporting the need for the line, including known future wholesale users.
    8. Estimated public benefits (quantifiable and nonquantifiable).
    9. Estimated private benefits to the applicant or affiliates.
    10. Potential effects on public health and safety.
    11. Summary of all public comments received at each public meeting and the applicant’s responses.
    12. Evidence that the proposed line will comply with applicable state and federal environmental standards, laws, and rules.
    13. Any other information reasonably required by the commission.

  • Additional notes

    • The bill emphasizes a transparent and comprehensive filing, with consideration of alternative routes and potential parallel use of rights-of-way.
    • It underscores environmental compliance, public health and safety considerations, stakeholder input, and quantified/nonquantified public/private benefits.

Who is affected

  • Primary affected entities:
    • Electric utilities with 50,000+ residential customers in Michigan.
    • Affiliated or independent transmission companies involved in proposing major transmission lines.
  • Other stakeholders include:
    • Local zoning authorities (through consideration of zoning impacts in route planning).
    • The public (through required public meeting comment summaries and responses).
    • The commission (the agency that reviews and issues certificates).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill designates a formal certification process managed by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
  • Applicants must provide a planned construction start date and a detailed timetable within the application.
  • The process requires a thorough assessment of routes, including alternatives, parallel rights-of-way opportunities, and environmental compliance.
  • Public input is integrated via summary of comments from public meetings and applicant responses.
  • The language specifies that an application may be withdrawn at any time, providing flexibility to applicants.

Summary in plain terms

SB 931 would tighten and codify the information required for large electric transmission projects to obtain state certification in Michigan. It mandates detailed routing analyses, consideration of alternatives and existing rights-of-way, cost estimates, justification of need, anticipated benefits, health and safety assessments, and environmental compliance. It also ensures public participation is documented and requires ongoing coordination with state environmental standards. The bill targets large utilities and affiliated or independent transmission companies, and positions the Public Service Commission to evaluate projects on a comprehensive, transparent basis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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