Public utilities: electric utilities; certificate of public convenience and necessity; allow qualified transmission companies to obtain. Amends sec. 2 of 1995 PA 30 (MCL 460.562).

SB 346 amends Michigan's Electric Transmission Line Certification Act to allow two types of qualified transmission companies - affiliated and independent - to apply for a certificate of public convenience and necessity. Affiliated companies were transferred from an electric utility (that existed on December 31, 2000) and remain tied to it, while independent companies were divested from such utilities and operate separately. This change enables these companies to seek approval for building major transmission lines (5+ miles at 345 kV or higher) without being classified as traditional electric utilities. The bill expands eligibility for the certificate but does not alter the technical requirements for transmission line construction.