Energy Bills May Rise Under New Consumers Proposal

As if gas, groceries, and other essentials weren’t already costly enough, Consumers Energy has filed a request to increase electricity rates for both residential and business customers.

How Often Does Consumers Energy Raise Rates in Michigan?

It’s never a good time for your energy bill to go up, but how often can Consumers Energy raise your rates? Under Michigan law, utilities like Consumers Energy can request rate increases as often as once every 12 months.

Because regulatory review typically takes around 10 months, Consumers Energy has often been able to file for and receive back-to-back rate increases in recent years.

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Consumers Energy Wants to Charge Customers More

According to WOOD TV 8, Consumers Energy has requested a $456 million increase in electric rates for Michigan customers. If approved, the average residential bill of about $155 per month would rise by roughly $13 starting in May 2027.

If approved, the request would amount to about a 9% increase for both residential and business customers. Consumers Energy has said the adjustment is needed to address an expected decline in annual revenue, though it did not specify whether this would result in losses or relate to maintaining its targeted profit levels.

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The concern with a for-profit utility is that it may rely on customer rate increases rather than fully funding infrastructure improvements through its own capital, adding additional costs for customers who are already under financial strain in a difficult economy.

👇BELOW: Michigan Mansion Built in 1916 by Consumers Energy Founder👇