Dozens of data center projects are unfolding across Michigan. And one Macomb County lawmaker wants her constituents to have a seat at the table.
MICHGIAN—State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) has emerged as one of Lansing’s loudest voices on energy affordability. Now she wants to hear from the people paying the bills.
Mentzer, who represents Michigan’s 61st House District, is hosting a free public town hall from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Lecture Hall A.
The event is set to feature experts explaining what data centers are, how they work, and what questions residents should be asking as the industry expands across Michigan.
“Data centers have become a growing topic of conversation in our community, and my office wants to make sure residents have access to accurate, unbiased information,” Mentzer said in a statement announcing the event on Facebook. “This is an opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions, and make your voice heard.”
Last year, Mentzer joined several other state lawmakers in calling for a “Ratepayer Bill of Rights” that would regulate big utility companies—namely by limiting investor profits, setting stronger reliability standards, and tightening rules to limit constant rate increases.
In March, she introduced legislation that would block utility companies from filing for rate increases more than once every three years—a direct response to a recently approved $242 million DTE rate hike, after which DTE almost immediately filed for another one.
That context matters for the data center conversation.
The facilities—some of which are already being built—are massive energy consumers and their proliferation across Michigan has raised questions about what increased electricity demand means for ratepayers already struggling with some of the highest utility bills in the Midwest.
Mentzer hasn’t tipped her hand on exactly where she stands on data center development, framing the town hall as a “neutral information session.” But her record suggests energy costs for Michiganders will be a central focus as she meets constituents to hear their concerns.
Mentzer is among a handful of Michigan House Democrats identified by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee as a top target race for this year’s midterm elections. She has also received an endorsement from EMILY’s List in her bid for re-election.
READ MORE: Michigan lawmaker wants to block utility rate increases
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