Lansing Gas & Electric Franchise Rate Approvals

Utilities and Infrastructure Michigan 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Michigan

Lansing, Michigan municipalities oversee franchise agreements that allow utilities to use public rights-of-way and collect franchise fees, while state agencies typically regulate utility rates for investor-owned companies. This guide explains how franchise approvals and rate-setting interact in Lansing, who to contact for complaints, where to find official provisions, and practical steps to apply, appeal, or report noncompliance. For investor-owned gas and electric utilities, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) generally handles rate approvals, while municipally owned utilities operate under local board and city oversight.[2] For local franchise language and city ordinances, consult the City of Lansing code and council records.[1]

How franchise approvals and rate jurisdiction work

Franchise agreements and franchise fees are distinct from utility rate-setting. In Lansing, franchise terms are set by ordinance or council-approved agreements; investor-owned utility rates are subject to MPSC review and approval. Municipal utilities set rates through their governing board and applicable city procedures; see the Lansing Board of Water & Light for local rate practice.[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for franchise violations and unlawful use of public rights-of-way is governed by city ordinances and by the agreement language in franchise contracts. Specific dollar fines, escalation schedules, and exact administrative procedures are not fully listed on the cited municipal pages; where a city ordinance or the franchise agreement sets penalties those will control.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the ordinance or franchise agreement cited by the city.[1]
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include orders to remove or relocate facilities, repair orders, or termination of franchise where authorized by ordinance or contract; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: enforcement is handled by city departments or the office designated in the franchise ordinance; for state-rate matters contact the MPSC consumer complaint process.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the instrument (administrative appeal, council review, or court review); specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Check the actual ordinance or franchise contract for the binding penalty and appeal terms.

Applications & Forms

Franchise grants and amendments are typically enacted by ordinance or city council resolution rather than a public online application form. A specific franchise application form is not published on the cited municipal pages; parties usually coordinate with City Clerk or the department identified in the draft ordinance for submittal requirements.[1]

Common violations

  • Unauthorized excavation or placement of utility facilities in rights-of-way.
  • Failure to pay franchise fees or file required reports.
  • Noncompliance with restoration or safety obligations after work in public ways.
Report suspected violations promptly with the contact listed in the ordinance or the City Clerk.

How-To

  1. Identify the utility: determine if the provider is investor-owned or municipally owned.
  2. Consult the City of Lansing code or council ordinance for any local franchise terms and fee schedules.[1]
  3. For rate questions about investor-owned utilities, file a consumer complaint or review MPSC dockets and orders.[2]
  4. Contact the Lansing Board of Water & Light for municipal utility rate information or to raise local service issues.[3]
  5. If enforcement or appeal is required, follow the process in the ordinance, franchise agreement, or state procedure; when unclear, contact the City Clerk or MPSC for next steps.
Start by confirming the provider and then follow the jurisdictional steps above.

FAQ

Who approves gas and electric rates in Lansing?
Investor-owned utility rates are approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission; municipal utilities set rates through their local board and city procedures.[2][3]
Where can I find the franchise terms and penalties?
Franchise terms and any penalties are found in the City of Lansing ordinances or the specific franchise agreement; not all penalty amounts are published on the cited page.[1]
How do I report a franchise violation?
Report violations to the City Clerk or the department named in the ordinance; for rate or service complaints about investor-owned utilities, file with the MPSC consumer complaint process.[1][2]

Key Takeaways

  • Franchise rules (use of rights-of-way) are local; investor-owned rates are state-regulated.
  • Contact the City Clerk for local franchise questions and the MPSC for rate complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Lansing Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] Michigan Public Service Commission - Electricity & Gas
  3. [3] Lansing Board of Water & Light

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