COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Just as Consumers Energy customers in Branch County and across the state are bracing for higher electricity costs following a string of state-approved increases, but local households serviced byThe Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) will avoid any new electrical hikes.
A stark divide has emerged in Coldwater, where electricity coverage is split. Approximately 56% of residents who rely on Consumers Energy are subject to a newly enacted 50% Summer Peak Rate premium on weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which follows a massive $276.6 million base rate hike finalized this spring.
Furthermore, Consumers Energy recently requested an additional $456 million annual rate hike from state regulators, threatening to push private utility bills even higher next year.
In contrast, the remaining 44% of Coldwater households powered by the city-owned CBPU are completely shielded from these seasonal spikes and pending corporate increases. Local officials highlighted that the municipal utility’s residential electric rates track roughly 30% lower than those of the private energy giant.
While the Coldwater City Council recently finalized minor water and wastewater utility adjustments to fund long-term infrastructure upgrades, city leadership has promised no new hikes to the local electric rate structure for this seasonal window. This direct comparison underscores the cost-saving stability of the community’s public power system during a period of escalating statewide utility costs.
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