A collective of groups concerned about energy policy and decisions.

Community Energy Engagement Network (CEEN), is a coalition of non-governmental, non-profit, and community organizations in Michigan and the Great Lakes region, advocating for energy and environmental policy, justice and equity. The group holds monthly meetings and facilitates communications with members.

CEEN supports member and frontline organizations participation in energy policy discussion and decision-making spaces, including the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and conferences on energy and environmental policy and justice.

Created in 2023, initial efforts focused on building the foundation for growing a collaborative network of community organizations to organize and participate in energy decision making processes. The entity is currently Michigan-based, but working to expand regionally.

The energy industry is embarking on a foundational transformation and inclusion must be at the center. It must continue to awaken to the impacts of racism and economic and environmental detriment to communities that have born the negative impacts of the legacy energy system. CEEN was established to ensure that communities across the state have meaningful inclusion in energy regulatory processes. 

MPSC established the Energy Affordability and Accessibility Collaborative (in coordination with the Energy Waste Reduction and Low-Income Workgroup) to address and report on the Commission’s ongoing COVID-19 response; affordable payment plans; affordable energy bills; data collection, transparency, and analysis; review of rule-based protections; and communication and engagement, and develop recommendations for a long-term data collection strategy, etc.

MPSC has been directed (per case no. U-20836, pages 461-463) to establish a definition of equity, energy justice, grid equity, and related terms for use in commission policy and activities. The process and outcome of crafting these definitions will significantly impact the incorporation of equity and justice into all state energy policy work so CEEN has identified this effort as a priority. Taking into consideration the proposed definition of energy affordability: “A household has the resources to meet their home energy needs for heating, cooling and other uses in a healthy, sustainable and energy efficient manner without compromising a household’s ability to meet other basic needs.”

CEEN helps communities remake the energy industry definition of “expert,” elevating real-life experience and impact statements as essential input. Operating under the phrase, “Nothing about us without us;” CEEN focuses on equitable representation in utility decision-making by building community advocates that are able to effectively navigate the regulatory process on issues of impact. Our process includes capacity building, community listening sessions, and promoting “community level expert” participation in energy decision-making.