Michigan LCV statement on Michigan Public Service Commission appointment

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s appointment of Shaquila Myers to fill the vacant position on the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) that was previously held by Allesandra Carreon. 

“During her time at the Michigan Public Service Commission, Alessandra Carreon gracefully executed her duty as a commissioner, which included implementing Michigan’s nation-leading Clean Energy and Jobs Act, integrating new energy technology and looking out for all Michigan ratepayers,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “The Michigan Public Service Commission is the critical backstop between for-profit monopoly utility companies and Michiganders who pay energy bills. In a moment when Michigan families are already burdened with high utility bills and constant rate hikes, we look forward to working with newly appointed Shaquila Myers to ensure the MPSC fulfills its essential role as the watchdog Michiganders deserve to improve our service, put CEO compensation in check and rein in utility company pollution.”

Michigan’s newest public service commissioner steps into office at a precarious time when the energy sector is rapidly changing. Data centers, heavy manufacturing and a slew of challenges are putting increasing pressure on the Midwest’s energy supply, even as the federal government has pulled back on critical policies and programs designed to add cheap, clean new energy to the grid. The MPSC will have to work hard to make energy more affordable for Michigan households, even as the state upgrades an aging grid pounded by a changing climate and extreme weather.