Michigan PSC
Katherine Peretick is a Commissioner at the Michigan Public Service Commission.
State Public Utility Commissions regulate the services people rely on every day, yet our work has traditionally been buried in technical filings, procedural dockets, and decisions few outside the industry ever see.
That’s changing. Issues that once lived deep in regulatory filings are now part of everyday conversation as our energy system faces new challenges and opportunities. In Michigan, our residents care deeply about affordable utility bills, reliable service, and siting decisions for utility infrastructure. They want to know whether investments in the distribution system and in new energy resources translate into meaningful improvements in system performance without sacrificing affordability.
To engage effectively, individuals, businesses, and community organizations need access to the data that informs regulatory decisions. Data is the foundation of commission decision making, but too often it remains difficult to find, interpret, or use. This is a clear opportunity for regulators: we can provide transparency.
For utility Commissions, growing public attention underscores the importance of building trust and enabling informed participation. Transparency is no longer optional; it is foundational to effective governance.