Lansing, Michigan – Michigan’s battle for fair utility rates intensified this week when Attorney General Dana Nessel said she will step in on an additional rate increase application from DTE Energy, a Detroit-based utility. DTE’s announcement came just after it suggested an 11% increase for residential customers in electric bills, or extra $574 million annually. DTE’s action follows closely on the heels of a $217 million rate rise authorized only three months ago, prompting Michigan citizens’ concerns and dissatisfaction with increasing utility expenses and the quality of service provided.
Attorney General Nessel said she strongly opposed what she saw as an unjust load on Michigan’s ratepayers.
“Just three months after the MPSC approved a $217 million rate hike, DTE is already back, asking for nearly $600 million more from ratepayers still very dissatisfied with the quality of service they receive,” Nessel said in a release.
She underlined her dedication to make sure suggested rate hikes are not inflated or unreasonable and do not only increase corporate executives’ and shareholders’ profits at the cost of consumers.
Nessel emphasized in her strong criticism of the rate plan her office’s important track record in representing Michigan consumers by participating in utility issues. To date, her efforts have reportedly saved Michiganders more than $3.7 billion. Nessel only earlier this week provided the MPSC with testimony contending for a significant nearly 70% drop in a different $248 million rate increase request by Consumers Energy Company for its natural gas services.
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As discussions over utility prices and service quality grow more intense, DTE Energy, which supplies natural gas to 1.3 million and electricity to about 2.3 million people in Southeast Michigan, comes under more public and regulatory officials’ eye.
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DTE’s most recent submission will be reviewed by the Michigan Public Service Commission, the regulatory agency in charge of monitoring utility services and rate changes, in the next months. DTE’s financial explanations for the suggested rate rise will be thoroughly examined during this review process along with public input and expert testimonies including those from the Attorney General’s office.
Michigan citizens and ratepayers are invited to engage in the public comment process as this case advances, so enabling them to voice their concerns and affect their final decision on DTE’s suggested rate rise. This never-ending story draws attention to the delicate balance between preserving utility business survival and safeguarding consumers from an excessive financial load in the face of increasing energy prices.