Michigan energy regulators on Thursday approved Consumers Energy's request to develop terms that would apply to data centers and other very large electric users, while the state's attorney general objected to DTE Energy Co.'s request for fast-track approval of its plans to power a data center in Saline Township.

The terms would include provisions to protect people from subsidizing data centers by ensuring the facilities pay for the cost of energy generation sources and transmission infrastructure needed to serve them, the Michigan Public Service Commission said in a press release.

Commissioners approved provisions including requiring a 15-year minimum contract term, exit fees if customers shut down before their contract ends, collateral equal to half of the customer's exit fee and more.

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