Hundreds of people joined a virtual public hearing Wednesday to weigh in on DTE Energy Co.'s request to provide power to a hyperscale data center in Saline Township.

The data center, a 250-acre project outside Ann Arbor proposed by big tech companies racing to build artificial intelligence programs, has become the most high-profile data center project in Michigan. Nearly 5,000 online comments have been submitted in the case in front of the Michigan Public Service Commission, which conducted the hearing Wednesday.

To supporters who commented during the meeting, the project could be a source of thousands of construction jobs and local tax revenue that will benefit schools and communities. To detractors, it's a climate disaster and dangerous gamble for DTE customers who would be saddled wit

See Full Page