Michigan AG Reviewing Consumers Energy​ Latest Gas Hike Request

MICHIGAN — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will review Consumers Energy latest request for a gas hike, according to the Michigan Attorney General's office.

The utility is asking the Michigan Public Service Commission for a $248 million gas rate hike, which would increase rates for residential ratepayers by 12 percent.

The utility's request comes just five months after the commission granted the utility a $35 million rate hike, which went into effect on Oct. 1.

Nessel intervened in that case and reduced the hike by 75 percent. She determined the intended costs to be funded by the rate hike were not properly justified nor did they not to the benefit of the ratepayers.

In her review, Nessel and her team are looking to make sure customers do not pay additional costs without commensurate, quantifiable benefits.

"Consumers Energy is seeking to hike gas rates yet again, only five months after their last rate hike was approved by the MPSC," Nessel said. "My office will carefully review this request to ensure Consumers Energy is not once again attempting to fatten their rate hike by including expenses they cannot justify to the MPSC, like they did last time when we worked to slash their rate hike by 75 percent. We will continue to work to hold the utilities accountable and keep unjustified costs off ratepayers’ bills."