Michigan AG Seeks 75% Cut to DTE $574M Rate Hike

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is actively opposing DTE Energy's request for a $574 million rate increase, urging the Michigan Public Service Commission to cut the hike by nearly 75% to a 2.5% increase. This request follows closely on the heels of a previously approved $217 million rate increase just three months earlier. Nessel criticizes the proposed hike, stating that most of the requested funds do not effectively improve service and instead benefit executives and shareholders. She advocates for DTE to prioritize investments in vegetation management and tree trimming, which have proven more effective in reducing power outages. Nessel emphasizes the need to end the ongoing cycle of repeated rate hikes by utility companies, asserting that Michigan ratepayers deserve affordable and reliable energy. DTE defends the request by highlighting investments made to modernize the grid and controlling costs, noting that residential bills remain below the national average.