However, the statement from Whitmer's press office did not mention any change in the PSC chair post, which leaves independent Commissioner Sally Talberg in the position, at least for now. The chair serves as the pleasure of the governor. Democrat Daniel Scripps was appointed by Whitmer in February to replace Rachel Eubanks, an independent who resigned in December. She was appointed state treasurer by Whitmer.

The commission, which has more than 200 employees providing expert analysis and support, is composed of three members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Commissioners are usually appointed to serve staggered six-year terms. The rules are no more than two commissioners may represent the same political party. One commissioner is designated as chairman by the governor.

Since 1947, the MPSC has been a three-member commission. During that time there has been 26 Republican-leaning commissions and 13 Democratic-leaning commissions. There also were two independent-majority commissions and 12 times the commission was equally split by parties.

Phillips is director of the Cincinnati 2030 District in Cincinnati, Ohio, a project focused on setting sustainability goals for the city's downtown commercial district on energy, transportation, water and health.

He has held multiple posts in Lansing, including a contracted position within what was then the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth during former Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration as well as a stint from 2010-13 for a Lansing-area nonprofit working on economic development.

DTE Energy Co. said in a statement that Phillips' goals align with the utility's.

"With previous experience in Michigan government agencies and with recent energy data analytics and sustainability work through Empower Saves Ohio and Cincinnati 2030, we look forward to working with him," the statement said. "Tremaine's interest in a cleaner energy future is consistent with that of DTE's and our plan to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2040."

— Crain's Detroit Business contributed to this report.