December 21, 2006

Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Commissioner Laura Chappelle has been elected to serve as the president of the Organization of MISO states (OMS) for 2007. The election took place on Dec. 14 at the annual meeting of the organization in Carmel, Ind.

The OMS is a non-profit, self-governing organization of representatives from 14 states and the Province of Manitoba with regulatory jurisdiction over entities participating in the Midwest Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO), a regional transmission organization as defined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The purpose of the OMS is to coordinate regulatory oversight among the states, including recommendations to MISO management, the MISO Board of Directors, the FERC, other relevant government entities, and state commissions as appropriate.

"I am honored to be chosen by my fellow Midwest state regulators to represent our collective interests before the MISO and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission," said Commissioner Chappelle. "Public policy issues relating to access to the electric transmission grid will continue to profoundly affect the cost and reliability of the electricity service that all of us use every day."

MPSC Chairman J. Peter Lark added, "I congratulate Commissioner Chappelle as she prepares to lead the OMS. Her election raises the stature of the Michigan Public Service Commission as it joins with the other members of the OMS to advance our positions before the FERC."

More information on OMS is located here: www.misostates.org

More information on MISO is located here: www.midwestiso.org

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.