Michigan utilities receive approval for natural gas rate increases

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved rate increases for several major utility providers in the state. SEMCO Energy received approval for a $33 million rate increase, set to begin on January 1, 2027. This hike is intended to fund an infrastructure reliability improvement program through 2031, aimed at adding system redundancies to mitigate customer outages. The increase is expected to impact residential customers with a monthly charge of approximately $15.

Additionally, Consumers Energy has been granted approval for a $139.2 million annual rate hike. This increase is expected to cost the typical residential natural gas customer nearly $4 more per month, representing a 4.3% rise. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the recent requests from major utilities, citing concerns over unsupported expenditures and executive compensation.

Other pending rate hike requests before the MPSC include those from DTE Energy and Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO). The commission also approved power supply cost recovery programs for UPPCO and the Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation.