LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Consumers Energy customers are bracing for another potential rate hike.
On Friday, Consumers Energy publicly announced its intent to seek another electric rate hike “on or after June 2, 2026.” Under the current law, this is the first day Consumers Energy is eligible to file its next rate hike request.
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Consumers Energy’s announcement, submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on April 3, was issued seven days after the MPSC approved a $276.6 million electric rate hike. That kicks in on May 1.
AG Nessel calls on legislators to fix the rate increase cycle.
According to Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, the MPSC has approved nearly $800 million in annual revenue increases for Consumers Energy since 2020.
“The rate hike just approved by the MPSC hasn’t even taken effect yet, and Consumers Energy is already gearing up to reach back into the pockets of Michigan families,” Nessel said. “Ratepayers don’t have a choice in who they buy their energy from, yet our utility companies still choose to make these relentless and unsustainable rate hike demands year after year.” She added, “It is past time for legislators on both sides of the aisle to come together and fix this broken system for Michiganders.”
As previously reported by Michigan News Source, Senate Bill 587 would implement the changes Nessel is calling for. However, the bill has stalled in the Democratic Senate. Among other things, the bill would create legislative oversight for the MPSC.
Consumers Energy: “Securing the grid and improving reliability for customers.”
Consumers Energy sells energy to nearly 2 million Michigan customers. In a statement to the media, the utility said:
“We announced in March we were going to start the process for our next case. While the Attorney General continues to focus on inflammatory headlines, we continue the work of securing the grid and improving reliability for customers. Michigan’s rate‑setting process is open and transparent, with a nearly year‑long timeline that includes opportunities for public and stakeholder input.
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Beginning this process now is essential to securing approval for the 2027 Reliability Action Plan and making timely, thoughtful investments in 2027 to maintain safe, reliable, and cost‑effective service. Along the way, Consumers Energy remains focused on helping our friends and neighbors by offering money‑saving programs and connecting customers with assistance that can help manage bills.
To help keep energy bills more predictable and manageable, Consumers Energy emphasizes proactive system maintenance and reliability investments and files regular rate requests rather than waiting several years, when increases can be harder for customers.”
The bureaucratic MSPC.
The MSPC is a three-member panel appointed by the governor. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed the current panel members.
