Nessel calls DTE's latest request to raise electric rates 'frankly, absurd'
- Attorney General Dana Nessel says she plans to intervene in DTE’s latest attempt at a rate increase
- The company is seeking a $456.4 million rate hike, which would cost residential customers an extra $11 a month on average
- Its request comes months after the company was approved for a $368 million rate increase that went into effect in December
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a notice of intervention with the Michigan Public Service Commission in response to DTE Energy’s latest attempt to increase rates.
The Detroit-based company is seeking an increase of $456.4 million. If approved, the rate increase would be effective starting in January 2025. The utility’s request comes just months after the MPSC approved a $368 million rate increase for DTE, which went into effect in December.
DTE says it needs the additional revenue to fund infrastructure investments that will reduce outages and to bring “cleaner energy faster to the state.” It said the rate increase would cost residential customers less than 37 cents per day on average, which is roughly $11 per month.
Related:
- Michigan Attorney General pushes back against DTE gas rate increase
- Supreme Court abortion pill case ‘terrifying’ for Michigan women, Nessel says
- Five years into Line 5 fight, Nessel fears having to ‘start all over again’
“This latest rate hike request from DTE is, frankly, absurd in both the astounding dollars and obnoxious timing — requesting yet another $450 million not even four months since their last rate hike was approved,” said Nessel in a press statement.
“DTE is following their usual playbook, incessant and oppressive rate hike requests not grounded in reality, but rather based on the financial aspirations of their corporate shareholders.”
While the attorney general does have the authority to intervene in such cases the MPSC is an independent government agency.
DTE provides electricity to roughly 2 million customers in southeast Michigan and gas to over 1 million customers across the state.
“DTE Energy will reduce power outages by 30 percent and cut outage time in half over the next five years, all while keeping customer bills below the national average,” DTE told Bridge in an emailed statement.
“We are committed to giving our customers the reliable and affordable energy they deserve.”
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
- See full coverage
- Subscribe
- Share tips and questions with Bridge environment reporter Kelly House
Michigan Environment Watch is made possible by generous financial support from:
Our generous Environment Watch underwriters encourage Bridge Michigan readers to also support civic journalism by becoming Bridge members. Please consider joining today.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!