Exploring opportunities to improve Commission Accessibility

Public Act 231 of 2023 directs the Commission to open a proceeding to consider opportunities to expand public engagement in the Commission’s decision-making processes and procedures.

On May 23, 2024, the Commission issued an order in Case No. U-21638 seeking comment from interested persons on opportunities to expand public engagement in its decision-making processes.  The Commission seeks comment regarding improvements it may make for communicating with the public and explaining Commission activities, expanding accessibility and participation, and enhancing the transparency of its proceedings. The Commission also seeks recommendations for improving participation of “low-income residential customers, residential customers that experience high energy burdens, and individuals and communities impacted by commission decisions.”  

The Commission indicated it is also interested in responses to the following questions: 

1. What role should advocates, intervenors, or community-based organizations have to engage and educate customers? 
2. What opportunities are available for the Commission to work with intervenors and/or potential intervenors to enable effective and efficient participation by intervenors in the contested case process? 
3. Are there examples of public utility commissions that incorporate public comment or other public engagement opportunities in commission proceedings? What are the statutory and/or other constraints around that engagement? 
4. Considering resource and statutory time limitations, how should the Commission prioritize between different types of participation/engagement opportunities? What value do those opportunities provide compared to other opportunities? 
5. What examples exist regarding effective methods and metrics to evaluate the responsiveness of Commission decisions to community needs and priorities and Commission transparency? 

The Commission encourages commentors to consider issues raised in the MI Power Grid Customer Education and Participation Staff Report (pages 38 – 48) surrounding the challenges of public engagement at utility regulatory commissions when developing their comments.

Comments may be submitted via the Commission’s E-dockets website for those with an E-dockets account, via the “Submit Comments” option located within the E-docket file for the case, or via e-mail to Lara-MPSC-Edockets@michigan.gov.  

A public hearing will be held later this summer to take public comment regarding the issues raised in this docket. 

Comments must be received by 5:00 PM on September 27, 2024 and reply comments must be received by 5:00 PM October 25, 2024.

Implementation Status: In Process

Lead Staff: Reka Holley-Voelker

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