Energy Affordability and Accessibility Collaborative

Notice: MI Power Grid meetings and all other MPSC workgroup meetings will be conducted via teleconference only until further notice. Please find remote access information for upcoming meetings on our calendar of events.

On February 18, 2021, the Michigan Public Service Commission issued the 3rd order in the pandemic response docket for Case No. U-20757. The Commission directed Staff to convene the Energy Affordability and Accessibility Collaborative in coordination with the Energy Waste Reduction and Low-Income Workgroup to address the Commission Staff's recommendations in the U-20757 Collaboration and Communication Process report on the Commission's ongoing COVID-19 response; affordable payment plans; affordable energy bills; data collection, transparency, and analysis; review of rule-based protections; and communication and engagement. On December 17, 2021, Staff filed an interim report to U-20757 on the progress made and any recommendations.

On February 10, 2022, the Commission issued another order in Case No. U-20757 extending the work of the EAAC for an additional two years.  The Commission's direction includes coordinating efforts with the Governor's task forces to develop cohesive policies across state agencies; broadening participation of historically marginalized communities; establishing an Advisory Committee to guide and coordinate the work of the EAAC and Energy Waste Reduction workgroups; directing utilities to continue reporting monthly data on customer shutoffs and arrearages; and approving a low-energy policy summit to be held in 2022. The next interim report is due March 17, 2023.

The Energy Affordability and Accessibility Collaborative seeks broad and diverse input from residents, non-profits, utilities, and state agencies to address the affordability of energy, access to low-income energy assistance, customer protections and low-income energy waste reduction services. Key areas of focus are defining affordability and how this intersects with the rate-making process; strategies for streamlining the energy assistance process; and recommendations on tying energy waste reduction to energy assistance. Building on analysis and recommendations for these and other topics, the Collaborative will proceed to the development of a long-term data strategy and review of rule-based protections. The prioritization of the Collaborative's work will be determined by a consensus of participants.

MPSC Staff Contacts

Anne Armstrong, MPSC
Mary Wilkins, MPSC
Brad Banks, MPSC

EAAC Suggestion Box