MPSC Chairman Appointed Co-Chair of NARUC-FERC Smart Grid Collaborative

Contact: Judy Palnau (517) 241-3323

Orjiakor Isiogu, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), was appointed co-chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Smart Grid Collaborative by NARUC President David Coen, of Vermont.

The NARUC-FERC Smart Grid Collaborative, launched in February 2008, serves as an important forum for discussing technological and other issues to facilitate the transition to a smart electric grid.  Many companies are promoting smart-grid technologies, and this dialogue will help regulators understand what is being developed and how it will affect consumers.

"Having served on this collaborative since its inception, I am excited to now co-chair this effort," said Isiogu.  "The smart grid has the potential to dramatically change how customers use electricity, and this collaborative is serving as an excellent resource to the state utility commissions that are weighing the costs and benefits of this kind of technology."

Chairman Isiogu replaces outgoing co-chair and former NARUC President Frederick Butler of New Jersey, who is leaving regulation.  FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff also serves as co-chair of the collaborative.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.