Michigan High Court Questions Rule to Buy Local Energy

Michigan Supreme Court justices questioned how much deference they should give a state regulator’s decision to impose a “buy local” energy rule, in a clash that could see higher energy costs for large consumers like hospitals and schools.

The Nov. 7 arguments addressed whether the Michigan Public Service Commission has the right to impose a “local clearing requirement” that would force energy suppliers to meet at least some of their needs with in-state power generators like Consumers Energy Co. and DTE Energy Co.

The Michigan Public Service Commission contends it can impose a buy-local percentage on so-called alternative energy suppliers, ...