Most people don’t set out to be a utility regulator when they grow up, but that’s just what Sally Talberg did, racking up 25 years in the energy and environmental policy world to become the consummate professional her colleagues know her to be. It started with an internship at the Michigan United Conservation Clubs in the 90s, and in 2008, she joined PSC as a senior consultant until 2013. Now back at PSC, Sally is a senior policy fellow, using her extensive experience and acuity to provide regulatory counsel and strategic policy insight to clients with an emphasis on clean energy.

Sally served on the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) from 2013 through 2020 during a time of significant transformation of the state’s energy and telecommunications industries under two different governors, with over four years as chair. As a commissioner, Sally was president of the Organization of MISO States in 2016 and sat on numerous other state, regional, and national boards and committees addressing electricity, natural gas, oil, infrastructure, and telecommunications issues. She oversaw the successful implementation of comprehensive bipartisan energy reform laws, new energy and broadband infrastructure advancement, and the development of MI Power Grid, an initiative to ensure regulatory reforms support the transition to clean, distributed energy resources.

With PSC, Sally co-led the development of Michigan Saves, a nonprofit green bank that has financed over $500 million in energy efficiency projects. She also staffed the Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council and Wind Energy Resource Zone Board. Before joining PSC the first time, Sally served in an advisory capacity to the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the MPSC, addressing retail and wholesale market issues, long-term planning, facility siting, ratemaking, and other regulatory issues.

Email: [email protected]

A Little More…

Education: BS in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Studies from Michigan State University and an MPA from the University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs

With PSC since: November 2008 (the first time), July 2021 (the second time)

PSC superpower: Super recognizer—never forgets a face

Favorite part of working at PSC: Working with a talented, fun group; making a positive impact; and having the freedom to pursue one’s passions

Why Michigan? Apple picking, fall colors, cross-country skiing, dune climbing, fresh perch and whitefish, sunsets, MSU campus and sports—the list is endless