HB 5710 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Energy: electricity; integrated resource planning process; require consideration of all energy sources. Amends secs. 6a, 6l, 6m & 6t of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6a et seq.) & repeals sec. 6aa of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6aa). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5711'26

This bill requires electric, gas, and steam utilities in Michigan to consider all available energy sources when planning their integrated resource portfolios. It amends existing state laws governing utility rate-setting and planning processes to ensure comprehensive evaluation of different energy options. The legislation also establishes specific timelines for utility rate applications and includes provisions for partial rate relief motions for smaller gas utilities. Additionally, the bill repeals a specific section of the Public Service Commission Act related to stranded costs.

Issues: ✓ Energy

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

May 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

Governor

Introduced Mar 11, 2026 Last action May 14, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Passed by the House → Substitute (H-1) · 1 edit

MINOR

The bill text has been updated from the version passed by the House to a new substitute version (H-1). The changes are primarily technical, involving the replacement of internal document tracking codes and file identifiers with new ones, rather than altering the actual policy language.

TECHNICAL

Internal document tracking codes and file identifiers were updated to reflect the new substitute version.

House Introduced Bill → As Passed by the House · 8 edits · May 12, 2026

MODERATE

This bill significantly overhauls Michigan's public utility regulations by establishing strict timelines for rate increases, creating a new consumer advocacy fund, and mandating detailed long-term energy planning. It aims to protect consumers from surprise rate hikes, ensure equitable representation in utility proceedings, and guide utilities toward cleaner, more reliable energy sources.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of regulation to include stricter procedural requirements for all utilities, new obligations for large electric utilities regarding resource planning, and specific provisions for merchant plants and renewable energy programs.

REQUIREMENT

Utilities must now provide 30 days' notice before filing rate increase applications and face automatic approval if the commission fails to act within 10 months, preventing indefinite delays.

Electric utilities must file comprehensive Integrated Resource Plans projecting energy needs for 15 years, including specific requirements for renewable energy, demand response, and environmental justice impacts.

New requirements mandate the use of project labor agreements and local hiring for major utility construction projects to support the local workforce.

FISCAL

A new 'Utility Consumer Representation Fund' is created, requiring utilities to pay annual fees to finance grants for nonprofit organizations that advocate for residential utility customers.

ELIGIBILITY

New eligibility criteria and funding limits are established for merchant plants (power generators) to recover excess fuel costs, capped at $1 million per month per utility.

ENFORCEMENT

Utilities that implement rate increases before a final commission order must refund excess charges with interest calculated at 5% plus LIBOR.

DEFINITION

New definitions are added for terms like 'Full and complete hearing,' 'General rate case,' and 'Utility consuming industry' to clarify regulatory standards.

TIMELINE

Specific deadlines are set for various actions, including a study on net metering tariffs by April 2018 and Integrated Resource Plan filings by April 2019.

Floor votes · House May 12, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 14, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

upper

May 14, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

upper

May 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #139 Yeas 58 Nays 47 Excused 0 Not Voting 5

lower

May 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

substitute (H-1) adopted

lower

Apr 28, 2026

Committee

referred to second reading

lower

Apr 28, 2026

Lower · Passed

reported with recommendation with substitute (H-1)

lower

Mar 11, 2026

Committee

referred to Committee on Energy

lower

Mar 11, 2026

Introduced

introduced by Representative Rep. Pauline Wendzel

lower

1 primary · 39 co-sponsors