The three members of the Michigan Public Service Commission would be elected under recently introduced legislation. Currently, commissioners are appointed by the governor for staggered six-year terms.
Key Points:
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- House Bills 5676 and 5677 were introduced by Representative Jimme Wilson (D-Ypsilanti).
- House Joint Resolutions Q and R were introduced by Representative Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.).
- The proposal expands the number of commissioners from three to five.
- It enacts 12-year term limits for members.
- If signed into law, the bill would take effect beginning with the 2028 general election.
- During the first election in 2028, three members would be elected to four-year terms, and two members would be elected to two-year terms.
- During the 2030 general election, the two members who were elected to two-year terms would be up for reelection for full four-year terms, and all following elections would be for four-year terms.
- Under this plan, three members would be elected in presidential election years, and two members would be elected during the midterm election cycles.
“Utility rates and regulations directly affect residents’ paychecks and household budgets, so people should have direct representation in those decisions, plain and simple,” Representative Miller said. “The objective here is to give Michigan residents a direct voice in who serves on the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The MPSC makes important decisions about utility rates, large energy projects, and how utility companies are regulated. These decisions affect families, businesses and communities across the state. Right now, residents have little impact and very little say in who makes these decisions. This legislative package is intended to improve public trust in a commission that plays a major role in everyday costs for Michigan families.”
Next Steps:
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- The legislation was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.
Michigan Public Service Commission:
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- Its mission is to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunication services at reasonable rates.
- No more than two commissioners may represent the same political party.
- One of the commissioners is designated as chair by the governor.
- The current commissioners are Dan Scripps, chair, Katherine Peretick, and Shaquila Myers.
