Latest MPSC podcast episode continues Commission’s focus on energy affordability

The September episode of the MPSC's Behind the Meter podcast continues the Commission's conversation about energy affordability, with updates on actions the state's energy regulator is taking to manage utility costs and strengthen energy assistance programs for income-eligible households.

MSPC Chief Operating Officer Mike Byrne hosts the podcast, which features discussion with Chair Dan Scripps and Commissioners Katherine Peretick and Shaquila Myers.

"Affordability isn't something we do once and then move on," Chair Scripps says in the podcast. "It's not something we address through one order, one program or one proceeding. It really is foundational to virtually everything we do at the Michigan Public Service Commission, and it continues to be a priority."

The September podcast explores energy affordability on multiple fronts. These include:

• The MPSC moving ahead on implementation of its goal to reduce the energy burden on income-constrained households in Michigan to about 6% of household income on their energy bills.
• The MPSC's recently launched affordability webpage that outlines actions the Commission has been taking to control energy costs and expand energy assistance programs for Michiganders most in need. These efforts have kept Michigan's average monthly household energy bills well below the national average and cheaper than monthly energy bills in Ohio and Indiana, while also limiting inflation's impact on electric bills to 4.9% below the overall rate of inflation between 2020 and 2026.
• The MPSC's response to a letter Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent to the MPSC, requesting the Commission to identify ways to lower utility bills for Michiganders through legislative reforms and options for new and improved energy assistance programs. The Commission detailed a set of recommendations that includes ending annual rate cases, tying utility earnings to cost efficiency and improved reliability, requiring better use of the existing grid before investing more, and expanding eligibility for energy assistance programs.
• Holding public hearing workshops in Grand Rapids on Aug. 11 and upcoming on Nov. 17 in Detroit. The workshops give participants a chance to learn more about issues affecting utility costs. Participants hear presentations on the Commission's current affordability and assistance initiatives and will have opportunities to share their perspectives through both small and large group discussions. This format is designed to gather meaningful feedback to inform the Commission's actions and future strategies on affordability.

About the MPSC'S Behind the Meter podcast

The MPSC's Behind the Meter podcast explores important energy and telecommunications issues, from utility rate cases and Michigan's energy transition to efforts to expand broadband and boost electric reliability. Episodes feature guests including MPSC Commissioners, MPSC Staff, and outside experts in various fields in energy and telecommunications. Behind the Meter episodes are available on the MPSC's website, its YouTube channel, and major podcast platforms.

The MPSC serves as an expert, impartial regulator committed to consumer protection, fairness and transparency. For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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