Behind the Meter: An MPSC Podcast

Dive into the latest Behind the Meter podcast as the MPSC breaks down real progress on electric reliability at Michigan’s two largest utilities — and how the Commission is working to keep energy costs in check. Host Mike Byrne is joined by Chair Dan Scripps and Commissioners Katherine Peretick and Shaquila Myers to discuss stronger grid performance, smarter investments, and the results of years of focused oversight, including Michigan’s first independent audit of utility distribution systems.

As data centers and other large energy users look to locate and expand in Michigan, questions often arise about electric rates, reliability, and who pays for the infrastructure needed to serve these facilities. In this episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne is joined by Chair Dan Scripps, Commissioner Katherine Peretick, and Commissioner Shaquille Myers to break down how the Michigan Public Service Commission approaches data center-related decisions.
The conversation focuses on what the MPSC does — and does not — have authority over, including the review of special contracts, electric rates, and customer protections designed to ensure that existing customers are not subsidizing new large loads. The Commissioners also discuss how reliability is evaluated when serving large customers and the safeguards in place to protect the broader electric system.
This episode offers a clear, plain-language explanation for Michiganders who want to better understand the role of data centers in Michigan’s energy landscape and how the Commission works to balance economic development, reliability, and affordability.
Resources:
Case No. U-21990, DTE Electric’s Application for Approval of Special Contracts: https://go.mi.gov/hp2891743
MPSC News Release: Commission Approves DTE Electric Contracts for Data Center: https://go.mi.gov/jm8mj1744
Michigan Public: What You Need to Know About Data Centers in Michigan: https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-11-21/data-centers-in-michigan-what-you-need-to-know
Customer Protections in the DTE Data Center Contract Decision: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/-/media/Project/Websites/mpsc/activity/behind-the-meter/MPSC_Data_Center_Infographic.pdf

In this special year-in-review episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne is joined by all three Michigan Public Service Commissioners — Chair Dan Scripps, Commissioner Katherine Peretick, and Commissioner Shaquille Myers — to look back on the moments and milestones that defined the past year.
 
Together, they count down the Top 5 topics of the year, including expanded public outreach and national leadership, strengthened customer protections, progress in managing Michigan’s energy transition, ongoing efforts to improve reliability, and the addition of Commissioner Shaquille Myers to the Commission.
 
The conversation highlights how the MPSC has worked to protect consumers, modernize the grid, expand clean energy, and engage communities across the state — while positioning Michigan as a leader in energy policy nationwide.
 
Whether you’ve followed the Commission closely or are just catching up, this episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the year behind us and a look ahead at what’s next for Michigan’s energy future. 
Resources:
MPSC Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc
ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy): https://www.aceee.org/
Reliability Metrics: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/electricity/distribution-system-reliability-metrics

: In this episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne is joined by MPSC Chair Dan Scripps and Kasey Grieco, Manager of Energy Assistance for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) at Superior Watershed Partnership, to explore how MEAP helps Michigan households stay safe and connected during times of financial hardship.
Together, they break down how MEAP works, who qualifies, and what support is available — from crisis assistance and shutoff protections to energy efficiency education that helps families manage their bills long-term. The episode also walks listeners through the application process and highlights the vital role MEAP grantees play in communities across the state.
Whether you’re struggling with energy costs, know someone who is, or simply want to understand how Michigan supports vulnerable households, this episode offers practical information and resources every Michigander should know.
Resources:
Michigan Energy Assistance Program: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/energy-assistance
Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy: https://superiorwatersheds.org/
Michigan 211: https://mi211.org/
Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program (MiHER): https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/energy/rfps-loans/home-energy-rebate-programs
MPSC Get Help Page: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/get-help

Electric vehicles are transforming how Michiganders think about transportation, energy, and the future of mobility. In this episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne is joined by Commissioner Katherine Peretick of the Michigan Public Service Commission and Alessandra Carreon, former MPSC Commissioner and now Chief Climate Officer at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Together, they discuss how EVs fit into Michigan’s broader clean energy goals, what’s being done to expand charging infrastructure, and how utilities are preparing the grid to support this growing technology. The conversation also tackles common questions about EV performance, affordability, and reliability—especially in Michigan’s challenging winter climate.
Whether you already drive electric or are just curious about what the transition means for you, this episode offers practical insights into the policies, planning, and innovation driving Michigan’s EV future.

Resources:
EGLE Charge Up Michigan Program: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/energy/rfps-loans/charge-up-michigan-program 
Plan for EV Infrastructure Deployment: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Programs/MMD/Energy/NEVI/MI-Plan-for-EV-Infrastructure-Deployment.pdf
Traveling Michigan in an Electric Vehicle: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/24093befb5b64716bac9628b6f9d8977
MSU charging stations study: https://engineering.msu.edu/news-events/news/2025/08/15/msu-research-contributes-to-medc-report-of-michigans-ev-charging-stations