Saline Township, Michigan, December 19, 2025
DTE Energy has received approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission to power a 1.4-gigawatt data center in Saline Township backed by Oracle and OpenAI. The project includes financial safeguards to protect existing customers. Community concerns have emerged regarding potential environmental impacts, including wetland destruction. This transformative $7 billion project aims to meet the rising demand for artificial intelligence computing power, reflecting a significant investment by major tech corporations. DTE’s recent stock performance shows a positive trend as the project unfolds.
Saline Township, Michigan: DTE Energy’s New Data Center Initiative
DTE Energy has gained approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to provide power for a proposed 1.4-gigawatt data center located in Saline Township, Washtenaw County. This facility, which is backed by industry heavyweights Oracle and OpenAI, represents a significant investment in enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) computing capabilities. Announced on December 18, 2025, the MPSC’s decision includes protections aimed at shielding existing customers from any potential costs arising from the data center’s operations.
Details of the Approval and Binding Conditions
The MPSC’s approval comes with several constructed safeguards:
- Financial Accountability: DTE Energy is obliged to absorb any costs that cannot be recouped from Green Chile Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Oracle, ensuring that other customers are not financially impacted.
- Contractual Obligations: The deal includes a minimum agreement duration of 19 years, significantly exceeding the conventional five-year contracts generally offered to large energy users. Furthermore, the data center is mandated to maintain a minimum billing demand of 80%, compared to the 50-60% standard present in similar energy agreements.
- Emergency Protocols: Updates must be made to DTE Energy’s emergency procedures to prioritize a reduction or interruption of the data center’s load in the scenario of a power shortage, thus safeguarding other customers.
Community and Environmental Considerations
The proposed data center has ignited considerable concerns among local residents and environmental activists regarding its environmental impact. Key issues raised include the potential destruction of wetlands and adverse effects on local water resources. Additionally, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has voiced her disappointment over the expedited approval process by the MPSC, urging for increased transparency and public involvement in such significant developments.
Project Background and Economic Impact
Unveiled on October 30, 2025, the data center is part of a transformative $7 billion project spanning 575 acres in Saline Township. The establishment of this facility is designed to meet the surging demand for AI computing power, reflecting a broader trend in technological innovation and private investment as major corporations like Oracle and OpenAI embark on collaborative initiatives.
As of December 19, 2025, DTE Energy’s stock is noted at $129.90, registering a modest increase of 0.8% from previous trading ends. This uptick signifies a potentially positive outlook for the energy company amid growing infrastructural and technological advancements.
Key Takeaways
This development exemplifies how private sector initiatives and regulatory frameworks can align to foster economic growth, while also highlighting the importance of community feedback and environmental safeguards. As more tech-driven projects emerge in the region, they provide valuable opportunities for job creation and economic diversification, bolstering the local economy in Detroit and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed data center in Saline Township?
The proposed data center is a 1.4-gigawatt facility in Saline Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, backed by Oracle and OpenAI, aimed at enhancing AI computing capabilities.
What conditions did the Michigan Public Service Commission impose on DTE Energy’s approval?
The MPSC’s approval includes conditions such as DTE Energy covering any unrecoverable costs, a minimum 19-year contract duration, a minimum billing demand of 80%, and updated emergency procedures to prioritize the data center’s load during power shortages.
What concerns have been raised about the data center?
Residents and environmental groups have expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, including the destruction of wetlands and effects on local water resources.
What is the background of the project?
Announced on October 30, 2025, the data center is part of a $7 billion project covering 575 acres in Saline Township, aimed at supporting the growing demand for AI computing power, with Oracle and OpenAI collaborating on this initiative.
What is DTE Energy’s current stock price?
As of December 19, 2025, DTE Energy’s stock is trading at $129.90, reflecting a slight increase of 0.8% from the previous close.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Center Capacity | 1.4 gigawatts |
| Backing Companies | Oracle and OpenAI |
| Contract Duration | Minimum 19 years |
| Minimum Billing Demand | 80% |
| Project Investment | $7 billion |
| Area Covered | 575 acres |
| DTE Stock Price (as of Dec 19, 2025) | $129.90 |
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DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
