COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced on Thursday it has approved a $139.2 million natural gas rate hike for Consumers Energy.
The approved increase is more than 42% lower than the $240 million rate hike Consumers originally requested late last year.
Beginning November 1, 2026, a typical residential customer using 75 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month will see their bill increase by $3.92, or roughly 4.33%.
The commission also authorized a 9.8% return on equity for the company while scaling back capital spending projections it deemed unsupported.
Consumers says the plan to use the newly approved revenue to fund critical infrastructure upgrades, including $207 million for an Enhanced Infrastructure Replacement Program to replace old gas mains at risk of leaks and $66.3 million for a leak detection and repair program.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocates and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who noted the filing was submitted just one month after Consumers Energy received a previous $157.5 million rate increase.
Nessel publicly criticized the frequent increases, stating that utility customers across the state are continually left wondering when their energy bills will stop climbing.
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