MPSC unveils public GIS Hub for energy infrastructure data

Commission staff on Feb. 11 demonstrated a new public GIS Hub that centralizes geospatial data about Michigan energy infrastructure and provides map applications, downloadable data layers and contact channels for data requests.

Brian Sheldon, a specialist in the commission’s energy security section, said staff rebuilt and standardized geospatial datasets from state and federal agencies and utilities and centralized them in a GIS repository. “It is my great pleasure to share with you a new initiative that is many months in the making,” Sheldon said during the presentation.

Michelle Powell, a data analyst, walked commissioners through the MPSC GIS Hub site, showing featured map applications including utility service areas, hydroelectric dams, electric generation by technology and pipeline infrastructure. Powell demonstrated how users can zoom to a specific address, select a utility from a dropdown, and access informative popups that list owner type, approximate customer counts and a link to the utility’s website. Powell also pointed to a data portal within the Hub where the public can download data layers in multiple formats and an embedded contact survey for data requests.

Commissioners praised the initiative as a step forward for transparency and accessibility. One commissioner noted staff received extensive feedback after a press release and said the maps are already being used by stakeholders across the state. The presentation concluded with an invitation for the public to explore the Hub via the commission’s website.