(1) Except as otherwise provided in this part, information obtained by the commission under this part is a public record under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

    (2) The commission shall issue orders necessary to protect the information in an application for a certificate, or in other documents required by the commission for the purposes of certification, if the commission reasonably finds the information to be confidential. Information that is confidential under a protective order is exempted from disclosure under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.