DeWitt, MI — The Tom Leonard for Governor campaign today announced a comprehensive reform agenda to overhaul the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), rein in rising energy costs, and restore accountability to a regulatory system long viewed as favoring utility interests over Michigan families and small businesses.

Michigan residents continue to pay some of the highest electricity and gas rates in the Midwest while experiencing some of the weakest reliability outcomes with frequent outages, delayed restorations, and rising utility bills disconnected from service quality.

“Let's be honest,” said Leonard “For 20 years, the MPSC has put rate hikes on autopilot while families pay the price. That has to stop. It's time to restore its mission and start protecting ratepayers again."

The Energy Accountability and Reliability Reform Plan

The Leonard administration would implement a consumer-first regulatory model designed to reduce utility bills while strengthening reliability and transparency.

Key reforms include:

• Expand the MPSC from three members to five, with appointments as follows: Governor (2), the Senate Majority Leader (1), the Speaker of the House (1), and the Attorney General (1).

• Ban Ex Parte Communications and bar Non-Public Meetings.

• Cap utility rate increases at inflation.

• Strengthen reliability penalties and codify restoration benchmarks.

• Double the automatic outage credit to $84/day.

• Phase-in retail electricity choice for residential and business customers

• Expand and strengthen consumer advocacy within the MPSC

• Replace cost-of-service regulation with performance-based regulation.“The Lansing game is simple: utilities demand massive increases, the Commission approves a ‘smaller’ increase, and everyone pretends the system worked,” said Leonard. “I’m done playing that game.”

Proposed Michigan Public Service Commission Appointments

To lead this transformation, Leonard announced that he would choose from five qualified individuals to serve as his first appointment to the MPSC. These individuals represent expertise in infrastructure oversight, energy economics, consumer protection, and regulatory reform.

• Sue Allor - Served multiple terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and chaired the Natural Resources and Environmental Quality Subcommittee. She is known for her commitment to responsible stewardship that balances economic growth with environmental protection.

• Shane Hernandez – A former Michigan State Representative who served as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, where he was responsible for overseeing the state budget. His background in architecture and public policy reflects a practical, results-oriented approach to long-term planning and infrastructure oversight.

• Steve Johnson - A former Michigan State Representative who served on the House Oversight Committee as well as judiciary and tax policy committees. His legislative career focused on accountability, sound governance, and protecting the interests of Michigan taxpayers and consumers.

• Kevon Martis - A longtime Michigan energy policy advocate and senior policy analyst with extensive experience in land use and energy regulation. He has regularly testified before the Legislature and is widely recognized for his deep knowledge of energy policy and community impacts.

• Tom McMillin - A former Michigan State Representative and current member of the Michigan State Board of Education who previously chaired the House Oversight Committee. A Certified Public Accountant with experience in local government, McMillin brings a strong record of accountability and fiscal stewardship.

“Michigan families shouldn't pay more for worse service while guaranteed profits are locked In. That ends with me." Leonard concluded.

To read the plan, click this link.

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"Paid for by Tom Leonard for Governor, PO Box 261, DeWitt MI 48820"