Behind the Meter: An MPSC Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Affordability: Continuing The Work Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Affordability isn’t achieved through one program, one order or a single conversation. Moving the needle requires multiple approaches—and all of us rowing in the same direction.

In this episode of Behind the Meter, MPSC Chair Dan Scripps and Commissioners Katherine Peretick and Shaquila Myers discuss the Commission’s ongoing work to improve energy affordability, including community engagement, a new affordability webpage and recommendations for legislative reforms that could help lower costs and improve reliability.

Hear how better aligning utility incentives with customer outcomes, reining in unnecessary costs, maximizing existing infrastructure, strengthening assistance programs and ensuring Michigan customers aren’t left paying costs created by large-load customers could help make energy more affordable for Michigan households.

Affordability website - www.michigan.gov/mpsc/commission/energy-affordability-in-michigan

E18 Reducing Michigan’s Energy Burden – July 1, 2026 - https://youtu.be/5CJgLUkH44o?si=yPKsbaOy5d06g2Ea

MEAP program - www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/energy-assistance

Utilities’ assistance programs - www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/utility-program-portal

Transparency HUB, Electric Reliability - experience.arcgis.com/experience/847314bf58a34d1a908a05be3cd3fadd?

E19 Regulatory Transparency by Design – August 25, 2026 - https://youtu.be/gTAJ3Yj_WNI?si=aHMSJLbwx5psj9N9

MPSC recommendations to lower energy costs - www.michigan.gov/mpsc/commission/news-releases/2026/08/10/mpsc-delivers-recommendations-to-lower-energy-costs

211 - mi211.org

MPSC Get Help page - www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/get-help

MPSC Customer Assistance Division – (800) 292-9555 or (517) 284-8100 - www.michigan.gov/mpsc/about/contact-us

Shutoff Protections for the Medically Vulnerable - www.michigan.gov/mpsc/-/media/Project/Websites/mpsc/consumer/info/tips/Shutoff_Protections_Medically_Vulnerable.pdf?rev=53ad15b7c3924f6eb6be46ca8803cd96&hash=86F0575FA80549C62CA6F198E6459D7F

Regulatory Transparency by Design Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

The Michigan Public Service Commission is making utility data easier to access, understand and use.

In this episode of Behind the Meter, we explore Regulatory Transparency by Design and the MPSC’s first-in-the-nation online transparency tool, which gives the public greater access to customer and electric reliability data that was once spread across regulatory filings and technical reports.

Learn how customers can use the data to better understand utility performance, how MPSC staff use it to identify trends and strengthen oversight, and why greater access to information can lead to better questions, better decisions, and better outcomes for Michigan customers.

Transparency isn’t simply about making data public—it’s about making information accessible, understandable, and useful.

Michigan Transparency: Empowering People to Understand Information Driving Regulatory Decisions | Fortnightly: https://www.fortnightly.com/fortnight...
Electric Reliability: https://experience.arcgis.com/experie...

Reducing Michigan’s Energy Burden: The MPSC’s 6% Affordability Goal Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Michigan Public Service Commission’s Behind the Meter podcast, we explore the MPSC’s new energy affordability goal: reducing the energy burden for income‑constrained Michiganders to no more than 6% of household income.

Earlier this month, the MPSC established the 6% benchmark as the guiding standard for improving and coordinating energy assistance programs across Michigan. The goal is to shift from a crisis‑driven system to one focused on long‑term home energy security, ensuring families don’t have to choose between paying utility bills and covering essentials like food or medicine. MPSC

Resources:

Energy Affordability, Case No. U-20757 Issue Brief

Commissioners Introduce 6% Energy Burden Benchmark Instagram

Commissioners Introduce 6% Energy Burden Benchmark Facebook

MPSC Get Help Page

Michigan's 211 Website

Michigan Public Service Commission Consumer Tips Page

Press Release

MPSC Behind the Meter Podcast: Planning Michigan’s Energy Future May 26, 2026

Show notes

This episode explores how Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) shapes Michigan’s long‑term energy decisions. We break down what an IRP is, why it matters, and how it guides utilities in delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power. Listeners will gain insight into the data, technologies, and policy considerations that inform Michigan’s energy future.

Behind the Meter: An MPSC Podcast A look behind the scenes of the MPSC Customer Assistance Division. Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the MPSC’s Behind the Meter podcast, we follow a day in the life of Customer Assistance Division staff who help Michigan energy and telecom customers resolve disputes and navigate assistance options. Listeners get an inside look at how the call center supports customers, identifies issues with providers, and spots trends that signal emerging problems — and learn when it’s time to reach out for help with their energy or telecom concern.
For more information on the inquires and complaints process: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/complaints

Behind the Meter: An MPSC Podcast – Transmission Line Siting In Michigan Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Discover how the Michigan Public Service Commission is strengthening public input and increasing flexibility in the routing of major electric transmission projects in the latest episode of Behind the Meter.
In this episode, Commissioners break down what transmission lines are, the MPSC’s authority in the siting process, and why Michigan is experiencing an increase in transmission cases. Tune in for a look at the evolving landscape of transmission planning and the Commission’s efforts to ensure transparency and community engagement remain at the heart of the process.

Real Improvements in Michigan’s Electric Reliability Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

Dive into the latest Behind the Meter podcast as the MPSC breaks down real progress on electric reliability at Michigan’s two largest utilities — and how the Commission is working to keep energy costs in check. Host Mike Byrne is joined by Chair Dan Scripps and Commissioners Katherine Peretick and Shaquila Myers to discuss stronger grid performance, smarter investments, and the results of years of focused oversight, including Michigan’s first independent audit of utility distribution systems.

Data Centers Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

As data centers and other large energy users look to locate and expand in Michigan, questions often arise about electric rates, reliability, and who pays for the infrastructure needed to serve these facilities. In this episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne is joined by Chair Dan Scripps, Commissioner Katherine Peretick, and Commissioner Shaquille Myers to break down how the Michigan Public Service Commission approaches data center-related decisions.

The conversation focuses on what the MPSC does — and does not — have authority over, including the review of special contracts, electric rates, and customer protections designed to ensure that existing customers are not subsidizing new large loads. The Commissioners also discuss how reliability is evaluated when serving large customers and the safeguards in place to protect the broader electric system.

This episode offers a clear, plain-language explanation for Michiganders who want to better understand the role of data centers in Michigan’s energy landscape and how the Commission works to balance economic development, reliability, and affordability.

Resources:

Case No. U-21990, DTE Electric’s Application for Approval of Special Contracts: https://go.mi.gov/hp2891743

MPSC News Release: Commission Approves DTE Electric Contracts for Data Center: https://go.mi.gov/jm8mj1744

Michigan Public: What You Need to Know About Data Centers in Michigan: https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-11-21/data-centers-in-michigan-what-you-need-to-know

Customer Protections in the DTE Data Center Contract Decision: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/-/media/Project/Websites/mpsc/activity/behind-the-meter/MPSC_Data_Center_Infographic.pdf

Year in Review Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

In this special year-in-review episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne is joined by all three Michigan Public Service Commissioners — Chair Dan Scripps, Commissioner Katherine Peretick, and Commissioner Shaquille Myers — to look back on the moments and milestones that defined the past year.

Together, they count down the Top 5 topics of the year, including expanded public outreach and national leadership, strengthened customer protections, progress in managing Michigan’s energy transition, ongoing efforts to improve reliability, and the addition of Commissioner Shaquille Myers to the Commission.

The conversation highlights how the MPSC has worked to protect consumers, modernize the grid, expand clean energy, and engage communities across the state — while positioning Michigan as a leader in energy policy nationwide.

Whether you’ve followed the Commission closely or are just catching up, this episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the year behind us and a look ahead at what’s next for Michigan’s energy future.

Resources:

MPSC Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc

ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy): https://www.aceee.org/

Reliability Metrics: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/electricity/distribution-system-reliability-metrics

Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

: In this episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne is joined by MPSC Chair Dan Scripps and Kasey Grieco, Manager of Energy Assistance for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) at Superior Watershed Partnership, to explore how MEAP helps Michigan households stay safe and connected during times of financial hardship.

Together, they break down how MEAP works, who qualifies, and what support is available — from crisis assistance and shutoff protections to energy efficiency education that helps families manage their bills long-term. The episode also walks listeners through the application process and highlights the vital role MEAP grantees play in communities across the state.

Whether you’re struggling with energy costs, know someone who is, or simply want to understand how Michigan supports vulnerable households, this episode offers practical information and resources every Michigander should know.

Resources:

Michigan Energy Assistance Program: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/energy-assistance

Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy: https://superiorwatersheds.org/

Michigan 211: https://mi211.org/

Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program (MiHER): https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/energy/rfps-loans/home-energy-rebate-programs

MPSC Get Help Page: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/get-help