Stop OpenAI and DTE from Fast-Tracking a 1.4GW Data Center Behind Closed Doors!

DTE wants state regulators to quietly approve a 1.4 gigawatt power deal—for a developer that already sued to force its way into Saline Township. If they succeed, the public will have no voice, and no review – and we'll be left to put our fate in the hands of corporate greed.

It's time to stand up and say no to this secretive deal! If we flood the public comment docket, they'll have a much harder time justifying the approval of the rushed deal.

This is not how democracy or energy planning should work. The people deserve transparency.

DTE Electric Company has asked the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to approve, behind closed doors, a massive contract to supply power to a new data center in Saline Township—large enough to consume as much electricity as a million homes.

The developer, Related Digital, is building this project for OpenAI (ChatGPT)—and after suing Saline Township to override local opposition, they're now seeking private ex parte approval that would shut the public out once again.

If this deal moves forward without a hearing:

Michigan's grid could be pushed to its limits, threatening our climate, environment, and grid reliability.
Ratepayers could be left holding the bill for transmission upgrades and system costs hidden in the fine print.
Fossil fuel based electricity generation and water use across the region could rise dramatically – despite the utility's misleading claims.

Tell the MPSC: Slow down. Open a contested-case review.

We need full public scrutiny to make sure this project actually supports Michigan's clean-energy goals and protects ratepayers from bearing the cost of corporate expansion.

Submit Your Public Comment Now!

719

signatures of 500 goal

Continue

Title

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

City

State

Zip

Phone

Your Message

Subject

Case Number U-21990: Don't fast-track approval for Open AI / DTE data center

Add a Personal Message

Personal messages make a big impact on decision makers. Please add a note about why this issue matters to you!

1000 characters remaining

Message

I respectfully urge the Commission to deny DTE Electric Company's request for ex parte approval of its special-contract agreement to supply power to the proposed 1.4-GW data center in Saline Township.
The developer, Related Digital, which is building this project for Oracle and OpenAI, already sued Saline Township to force rezoning after local residents and officials raised serious concerns. Now, DTE is asking the state to approve this massive energy contract on their behalf, without a public hearing or contested review. That is not appropriate.
A project of this magnitude will have far-reaching implications for Michigan's energy mix and ratepayers. While DTE claims the facility "won't require new generation," adding 1.4 GW of new demand will inevitably increase fossil-fuel dispatch across the regional grid until sufficient new renewable capacity is actually built.
The filing also leaves critical questions unanswered—including how transmission upgrades to serve this facility will be paid for, and whether DTE is expanding clean energy quickly enough to meet this new demand without increasing reliance on fossil-fuel generation or shifting costs from corporate customers onto everyone else.
I urge the Commission to slow this process down, require a contested-case proceeding, and allow full public and expert review to ensure transparency, accountability, and that any approvals align with Michigan’s clean-energy goals and protect ratepayers.

4000 characters remaining

By taking this action to protect the planet, you are affirming you want to receive regular Sierra Club communications and may vote on policy designated by the Sierra Club Board.

Additionally, by giving your mobile number, you consent to receive phone and text communications from Sierra Club organizations. Text communications will include receiving automated, recurring action alerts from Sierra Club. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for more information. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy