Michigan residents could see a sharp rise in their natural gas bills if DTE Gas’s proposed $237 million rate increase is approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. This request follows last year’s $113 million hike, which was significantly reduced after intervention from Attorney General Dana Nessel, according to the Department of Attorney General.
Attorney General Nessel has vowed to scrutinize the latest proposal to ensure it doesn’t unfairly benefit shareholders at the expense of consumers. She stated, "If recent history tells us anything, it’s that this new rate hike request will be filled with costs that simply cannot be justified," emphasizing her commitment to protecting Michigan families from undue financial burdens, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
Customers of DTE, which serves about 1.3 million gas customers statewide and 2.2 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan, could see a 10% increase in gas rates, with residential customers facing at least an 8% hike. The Michigan Attorney General has previously helped save consumers over $4 billion by challenging utility rate proposals before the Michigan Public Service Commission. DTE’s request is one of several rate increase filings currently under review, with Consumers Energy also planning to request a gas rate hike in December. Nessel stated, "Michigan families should not be asked to pay more for utility services simply to pad corporate profits," as mentioned by the Department of Attorney General.
