7 News Detroit takes your data center questions to DTE vice chairman; here's what he said

DTE Vice Chairman Trevor Lauer has responded to public anxieties regarding the proliferation of hyperscale data centers in metro Detroit, particularly concerns over their impact on electricity rates and grid reliability. Lauer emphasized that customers' rates would not increase, citing Michigan laws that prohibit cross-subsidization, ensuring "Big Tech has to pay their own way." He also highlighted DTE's negotiated contracts with data centers, which include longer terms, termination fees, minimum bills, and strong credit positions, provisions not typically required from other customers. Addressing fears of grid overload during peak demand, Lauer reassured that DTE's contracts grant them the right to curtail power to data centers first, ensuring other customers are not impacted. He acknowledged that expanding data center capacity would necessitate increased power generation within Michigan. The interview also delved into the December controversy surrounding DTE's contract approval with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for the Stargate data center project in Saline Township. Attorney General Dana Nessel had raised concerns about accelerated timelines and redacted contracts. Lauer defended DTE's actions, stating they accommodated the customer's construction timeline and that the MPSC had access to unredacted contracts. He also commented on the Saline Township community's initial rejection of the data center, which was followed by a lawsuit and eventual approval, stressing the importance of transparency for developers engaging with local communities.