MPSC joins Instagram to expand social media connections to Michiganders

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The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) launched its new page on Instagram today, adding another social media tool for the agency to expand its outreach on energy and telecommunications matters and share important information with Michiganders.

The MPSC already has a presence on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and posts videos of meetings and airs its podcast Behind the Meter on its YouTube channel. As one of the most popular social media platforms, Instagram will help increase the number of Michiganders the Commission can reach.

"The MPSC is excited to join Instagram to share information and connect with more Michiganders," MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. "Public participation is a priority of the Commission, and we are always looking for ways to broaden how we get information out to the public. Instagram will help increase our reach. We look forward to interacting with more Michiganders about matters that impact us all, from how we power our lives to how we ensure access online."

The MPSC's decision to launch an Instagram page was influenced by participants at a recent MPSC town hall. Participants told Commissioners and MPSC Staff that social media is one of the best ways to reach them with relevant information or announcements of activities in their areas, specifically recommending Instagram as a frequently used source of information.

Founded in 1939, the MPSC is a three-member Commission whose members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate. Its members are Chair Dan Scripps and Commissioners Katherine Peretick and Shaquila Myers. The MPSC's responsibilities include oversight of investor-owned public utilities in Michigan, including the state's two largest, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy; natural gas pipelines; and licensing and other regulatory support for telecommunications services and customers of those services.

For information about the MPSC, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs, or follow the Commission on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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