Regulators OK DTE power supply deals for Van Buren Township data center
Michigan regulators approved long-term DTE Electric power supply and clean energy agreements for Google's proposed data center in Van Buren Township, with conditions requiring Google to cover costs and preventing them from being shifted to other customers. The project still faces local opposition and awaits consideration of its final site plan, while Wayne County commissioners approved related tax incentives and a community benefits agreement.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved 20-year electricity and clean energy agreements between DTE Electric and Google for a proposed data center in Van Buren Township. The orders require Google to pay the costs associated with its large power demand, including minimum usage charges, and provide for DTE to develop up to 1,600 megawatts of renewable energy and 480 megawatts of battery storage. DTE said the agreements could generate a $1.7 billion net benefit for other customers over two decades.
The commission’s approval addressed utility service terms but did not authorize construction. Separately, the Wayne County Commission voted 13-0 to override County Executive Warren Evans’ veto of tax incentives and a community benefits agreement tied to the project. The 282-acre Project Cannoli, proposed by Panattoni for Google, could use up to 3.6 million gallons of water daily and about one gigawatt of power; residents have raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, noise and utility costs. The Van Buren Township Planning Commission is expected to review the final site plan, and the facility is projected to begin operations in December 2027.