U-21291-0323

Overview

The City of Ann Arbor filed exceptions to the ALJ’s proposal for decision in DTE Gas’s U-21291 rate case, challenging findings on project coordination, prudence of $20.4 million in Ann Arbor pipe replacements, gas-leak tree damage, and treatment of decarbonization-related obsolescence risk.

Key Points

• •Ann Arbor contested the PFD’s rejection of requirements for DTE Gas to systematically coordinate capital projects with local governments.
• •The City argued ratepayers should not pay avoidable costs when DTE fails to use publicly available capital improvement plans.
• •Ann Arbor sought disallowance of costs for replacing plastic or coated steel pipes in Ann Arbor, questioning their prudence amid an energy transition.
• •The City requested a Commission finding that decarbonization-driven obsolescence belongs in depreciation, not ROE, calculations.
• •Ann Arbor disputed the PFD’s conclusion that it failed to support claims that DTE gas leaks are damaging City trees and sought guidance on the proper damages venue.