Energy & Utilities

Michigan Reminds Residents to Contact MISS DIG 811 Before Digging

The Michigan Public Service Commission reminds residents and contractors that Michigan law requires contacting MISS DIG 811 at least three days before any digging project. Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation designating April 2026 as Safe Digging Month. The free 811 service marks underground gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecommunication lines to prevent service disruptions, costly repairs, fines, and potential injuries or deaths from hitting buried utilities.

Cove Point LNG LP Application for Blanket Authorization to Export Previously Imported LNG to Non-FTA Countries

DOE published notice that Cove Point LNG, LP has filed an application seeking blanket authorization to export previously imported liquefied natural gas to non-free trade agreement countries on a short-term basis. The application is open for public comment for 32 days. This is a standard regulatory consultation on an LNG export authorization request.

Notice of Closed Meetings on Voluntary Agreements Under the Defense Production Act

The Department of Energy published a notice announcing closed meetings to implement voluntary agreements and related plans of action under the Defense Production Act. The meetings concern nuclear fuel industry coordination for defense production purposes. Specific details about timing, participants, and discussion topics are not disclosed publicly due to the closed nature of the meetings.

Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board Renewal Notice

The Department of Energy has renewed the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB) for a two-year period effective April 7, 2026. The Board provides community-based advice and recommendations on environmental cleanup activities at DOE cleanup sites, including waste management, facilities disposition, and long-term stewardship. The annual budget is approximately $2.9 million supporting around 160 members near eight field site chapters.

Drake v. Larue County Water District #1 - Prima Facie Complaint Order

KY PSC issued an order in case 2025-00138 rejecting Carolyn Drake's complaint against Larue County Water District #1 for failing to establish a prima facie case. The complainant alleged the utility terminated her water service on April 28, 2025 without providing required advance notice of non-payment. The PSC gave Ms. Drake 20 days from service of the order to file an amended complaint conforming to 807 KAR 5:001E requirements.

BREC Environmental Surcharge Review - Two-Year Billing Period Ending July 31, 2025

The Kentucky PSC issued a final order reviewing Big Rivers Electric Corporation's environmental surcharge for the two-year billing period ending July 31, 2025. The Commission examined whether BREC's surcharge amounts billed to its three member distribution cooperatives were just and reasonable under KRS 278.183. The order determines the appropriate surcharge levels and reconciliation based on the evidentiary record, with no intervenors participating in the proceeding.

Kentucky Power Complaint Response Order 2025-00411

Kentucky PSC issued Order 2025-00411 requiring Kentucky Power Company to respond to a formal complaint filed by Sam Gollihue within 10 days from service date, or satisfy the matters complained of. The order cites compliance with 807 KAR 5:001, Section 20 and electronic filing procedures from Case No. 2020-00085.

Jackson Purchase Energy - Financing Order, Debt Limit Increase

The Kentucky PSC issued an order continuing Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation's application for authority to increase its maximum debt limit, establish a perpetual line of credit, and enter debt obligations. The Commission found good cause to extend the statutory 60-day review period by an additional 30 days to May 20, 2026, to conduct a thorough investigation into the reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed financing transaction. A procedural schedule was established for orderly processing of the case.

East Kentucky Midstream LLC Petition for Rehearing - Utility Jurisdictional Status

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued an order addressing East Kentucky Midstream's petition for rehearing regarding Case No. 2022-00238. The company challenges the Commission's final order finding it is a jurisdictional local distribution company (LDC) under KRS 278.504(3). East Kentucky Midstream argues the order mischaracterizes its functions as a natural gas gathering system and farm-tap operator, claims regulation as a utility would require prohibitive system upgrades, and asserts the Commission lacks authority over gas production and gathering under the Natural Gas Act.

Navitas KY NG LLC Gas Compliance Violations Order

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued an order finding Navitas KY NG LLC violated its Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) tariff by including non-qualifying expenses (pressure testing, Russmar expenses) in rate filings, constituting a willful tariff violation. The Commission assessed a $2,500 civil penalty, suspended for five years pending no future willful violations, and ordered Navitas to file a refund plan within 30 days for improperly recovered expenses. Future GCR cost recovery is limited to actual gas purchases and storage/transmission/distribution fees.