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MICHIGAN -- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced today that it has rescheduled its public hearing workshop in Detroit, previously postponed due to severe weather, to Nov. 17, according to an MPSC press release on Thursday. 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 on the city's near west side, according to the release. 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, the release stated. This format is designed to gather feedback to inform the commission's actions and future strategies on affordability. A similar workshop was held in Grand Rapids on Aug. 11.
According to the release, the 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.