LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Consumers Energy officially submitted a new electric rate increase request to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today, kicking off a formal 10-month regulatory review process.
Consumers is seeking a $456 million annual revenue hike, marking its largest financial ask in more than 20 years.
If approved as submitted, the filing would translate into a 9.8% increase on monthly bills for residential customers.
Consumers says the additional funding is critical for grid modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and extensive tree-trimming initiatives aimed at reducing storm-related power outages across Michigan.
The filing comes on the heels of mounting public frustration and political pushback, arriving exactly on the earliest date permitted under state law.
Regulators previously authorized a $276.6 million rate increase for the utility that just took effect on May 1, 2026. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has publicly condemned the rapid succession of requests, calling the dynamic a “never-ending cycle” that signals a broken utility regulatory system.
Nessel’s office has formally intervened in the case, pledging to thoroughly scrutinize the company’s operational expenses and protect ratepayers from absorbing unjustified corporate costs.
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