Michigan Governor Rick Snyder today announced a restructuring of the Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE) and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), in addition to a change in the chair of the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board.
The change in leadership comes in response to MAE Executive Director Valerie Brader’s resignation from the administration, effective Feb. 10. Following Brader’s departure, MAE deputy director Madhu Anderson will serve as the agency’s acting executive director.
“Valerie has done an outstanding job leading the Michigan Agency for Energy and guiding state policy to ensure a stronger energy future for Michigan,” says Gov. Snyder. “I look forward to working with Madhu and the Public Service Commission as we restructure the agency to continue its positive work on behalf of all Michiganders.”
Under the Executive Order issued by Snyder, some of MAE’s responsibilities, such as the Customer Assistance, the Michigan Energy Assistance Program that administers low-income heating grants, and many of the staff that represent Michigan in regional and national forums, will be taken over by the MPSC.
MAE will retain the energy security division, including the Energy Office, which administers grant programs, and External Affairs. Additionally, they will also retain the responsibility and personnel necessary to represent Michigan’s interests on national, regional, and regulatory policy, especially in cases where the MPSC, led by Chairman Sally Talberg, must remain neutral on issues so it can carry out its responsibilities under state law.
Keith Creagh, director of the Department of Natural Resources, was also designated by Gov. Snyder to assume the co-chair slot of the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board (PSAB) that Brader is leaving, effective Jan. 15. MAE will continue to have a seat on the PSAB.
“It’s been an honor to serve the citizens of Michigan and Gov. Rick Snyder,” Brader says. “I’m proud of the work the Agency for Energy has done with so many of our partners toward a more reliable and affordable energy future for Michigan. Together, we passed energy legislation that will be a national model, were recognized nationally for our leadership in energy infrastructure and security issues, ensured that the Upper Peninsula could have a bright energy future that they could control, re-invented our grant-making programs in response to feedback from stakeholders, and helped thousands of customers with their utility issues.”
Named executive director of MAE in 2015, Brader plans to join Rivenoak Law in March and also will be heading a new consulting company. Additionally she has resigned her position as Special Legal Counsel, effective Feb. 10.
MAE was created by executive order in March 2015 and is housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. MAE’s executive director is appointed by the governor and serves as the chief advisor to the governor and other state departments on energy policies and programs.
