Attorney General Dana Nessel aims to slash Consumers Energy’s proposed $303 million electric rate hike by more than 70%, citing excessive costs and poor service reliability.
AG Nessel Moves to Protect Michigan Consumers from Soaring Utility Bills
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a critical challenge to Consumers Energy’s proposed $303 million electric rate increase, filing testimony on Friday urging the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to dramatically reduce the hike by over 70%. Consumers Energy’s rate hike request, filed in May, would increase electric bills by an average of 6.5%, with residential customers facing a steeper 8.2% surge. The proposed increase would come on the heels of a $92 million rate hike approved just six months ago.
Nessel’s office recommends limiting the increase to less than 2%, allowing Consumers Energy to raise only $82.9 million instead of the requested $303 million. According to the Attorney General, the company’s current request is “excessive and unjustified,” highlighting the burden placed on Michigan consumers who already pay some of the highest rates in the nation while enduring unreliable service.