MPSC podcast on public engagement for transmission lines

Michigan MPSC News

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

The Michigan Public Service Commission released a podcast episode detailing new voluntary filing guidelines for electric transmission line developers. The guidelines establish improved public participation requirements and greater routing flexibility for landowners affected by major transmission projects. This follows MPSC's July 2025 approval of the first new high-voltage transmission lines in over a decade.

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What changed

The MPSC published a podcast episode explaining new voluntary filing guidelines that promote stronger public engagement and routing flexibility for major electric transmission line projects. The guidelines were developed following landowner concerns about inadequate public input during METC's 2025 approval process for the Nelson Road to Oneida (39-mile, 345 kV) and Helix to Hiple (55-mile, 345 kV) transmission projects—the first new high-voltage lines authorized in over a decade.\n\nTransmission line developers should review and follow these voluntary guidelines when filing future applications. Landowners along planned transmission routes should be aware that the guidelines require improved public participation processes and greater flexibility in routing options to address landowner concerns. The guidelines represent the Commission's expectations for transparency and efficiency in upcoming transmission expansion projects under MISO's regional grid enhancement plan.

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MPSC podcast explores strengthened public engagement and flexibility in route options for major electric transmission lines

March 31, 2026

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The newest episode of the MPSC’s podcast Behind the Meter takes a look at improvements the Commission has made to ensure stronger public input and greater flexibility in project routing when considering the siting of major electric transmission lines.

Commissioners provide background information about what transmission lines are, the MPSC’s authority over siting of the lines, and why Michigan is seeing more transmission cases recently.

The MPSC in July 2025 approved two Michigan Electric Transmission Co. (METC) transmission projects — the Nelson Road to Oneida project, a 39-mile, 345 kilovolt (kV) double circuit line between substations in Gratiot and Eaton counties, and the Helix to Hiple project, a 55-mile, 345 kV double circuit line between substations in Calhoun and Branch counties. They were the first new high-voltage transmission lines authorized by the MPSC in more than a decade and the first interstate high-voltage transmission lines in more than 50 years.

Echoing concerns from landowners along the transmission line routes, the Commission expressed disappointment in a lack of meaningful public engagement when METC sought approval for the lines and directed MPSC Staff to work with interested organizations and individuals to develop voluntary filing guidelines for use by applicants for future lines, to promote clarity, efficiency and transparency.

One of the residents who participated in the process was Valerie Wohlscheid‑Brennan, whose family’s centennial farm was along the route of the Nelson to Oneida transmission line. Wohlscheid-Brennan appears as a guest on the episode, along with MPSC Chair Dan Scripps, Commissioners Katherine Peretick and Shaquila Myers, and MPSC Chief Operating Officer Mike Byrne, the podcast’s host.

New guidelines the Commission approved will serve as a key document defining the MPSC’s expectation from transmission line developers for improved public participation for landowners impacted by new transmission lines and more routing options to address landowner concerns. That’s important as Michigan faces additional expansion of transmission lines in the coming years as part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s 2024 approval of transmission expansion across the Midwest to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the regional grid.

“Facing condemnation was a life-changing experience for my family and many of my neighbors,” Wohlscheid-Brennan says in the podcast, describing how she felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to the MPSC’s work to improve public engagement in future cases. “I think the guidelines are a huge win for landowners in Michigan. They show that the Commission listened and cares about ensuring residents have a reasonable opportunity to be involved in a case. Staff clearly put a great deal of thought and effort into these guidelines and addressing the issues that were raised in previous cases.”

About the MPSC’S Behind the Meter podcast

The MPSC’s Behind the Meter podcast explores important energy and telecommunications issues, from utility rate cases and Michigan’s energy transition to efforts to expand broadband and boost electric reliability. Episodes feature guests including MPSC Commissioners, MPSC Staff, and outside experts in various fields in energy and telecommunications. Behind the Meter episodes are available on the MPSC’s website, its YouTube channel, and major podcast platforms.

The MPSC serves as an expert, impartial regulator committed to consumer protection, fairness and transparency. For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc , sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs . Follow the MPSC on Facebook , X/Twitter , LinkedIn or Instagram .