To maximize the state's energy efficiency efforts, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) will kick off its energy optimization (EO) collaborative at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29, in the Forum Room, located on the first floor of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing.  The MPSC Chairman will be joined by top-level utility executives and representatives of various energy-related groups who will explain the plans they have to help customers become more energy efficient.

To ensure that the energy optimization programs approved for all electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan are successful, the collaborative will examine in detail the energy efficiency measures employed by utilities and the energy savings that result.  The collaborative's participants will also make recommendations to improve the EO plans of all utilities. 

"As Michigan moves forward toward an energy economy, this collaborative will generate many valuable ideas to maximize Michigan's energy efficiency," noted MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "That will directly benefit ratepayers by helping them use less energy."

The collaborative was created in Case No. U-15805 et al.  All electric and natural gas utilities subject to the MPSC's jurisdiction under Public Act 295 are required to take part in the collaborative.  In addition, energy efficiency experts, equipment installers, and other interested stakeholders are expected to participate.

The overall goal of the required energy optimization plans, according to Public Act 295, "is to reduce the future costs of providing electric and natural gas service to customers."  In particular, an energy optimization plan is designed "to delay the need for constructing new electric generating facilities and thereby protect consumers from incurring the costs of such construction."

Because space is limited, persons interested in attending should e-mail Sheila Aleshire at aleshires@michigan.gov with their names and the name of the organization they are representing.