MPSC sets new date of Nov. 17 for Detroit public hearing workshop on energy affordability

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The Michigan Public Service Commission announced today that it has rescheduled its public hearing workshop in Detroit, previously postponed due to severe weather, to Nov. 17. The workshop will focus on energy affordability as the Commission works to reduce the number of households with unsustainable energy burdens.

The Detroit event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood Street on the city's near west side. The workshop is intended for individuals interested in learning more about issues affecting utility costs and in helping shape the discussion around improving programs that support utility customers. Commissioners and MPSC staff will be present.

Participants will 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. A similar workshop was held in Grand Rapids on Aug. 11.

Top issues to be discussed include:

• Factors driving utility rates and how these factors impact utility bills.
• Barriers that may prevent customers from accessing programs that can lower energy bills - such as utility energy waste reduction (EWR) initiatives, weatherization assistance and pre-weatherization services - and exploring ways to increase participation.
• Identification of community values, priorities, ideas, and concerns related to energy assistance and affordability.
• What is working well in Michigan's energy assistance space and what needs to be improved.

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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