Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, has proposed raising gas rates by $240 million a year. If approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, this would mean about a 10% increase for gas customers, with residential bills going up around 8%, according to FOX 2 Detroit. The proposal comes three months after the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a previous $157.5 million rate increase.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that she will oppose the proposed rate hike by Consumers Energy. She said, "As the state's chief consumer advocate, it is my responsibility to protect Michiganders from utility companies that repeatedly seek to overcharge ratepayers to pad their own profits," as reported by WILX. Nessel stated that she will review the proposal carefully to prevent extra costs for Consumers Energy customers.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel challenged Consumers Energy’s request for a fourth consecutive annual rate increase, pointing out the company’s history of raising rates. She said, "Consumers Energy has consistently filed these rate hike requests filled with unjustifiable costs," and noted that the Michigan Public Service Commission recently cut nearly 40% of a previous request. Consumers Energy said the increase is necessary and told Mid Michigan Now, "Our customers' rates today are below the state, Midwest and national average, and we will continue to work actively to squeeze every dollar out of our system for the well-being of our customers." The proposal is currently under review by the Michigan Public Service Commission and will affect nearly 1.8 million households in Michigan.
