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Michigan Public Service Commission Approves Natural Gas Rate Increase
Russ Survance
Wed, 01 Oct 2025 08:25:28 EDT
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The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a $157.5 million natural gas rate increase for Consumers Energy, effective November 1.
This hike is about 36% less than the company's initial $248 million request and will raise the typical residential customer's bill by $6.44 monthly, an 8.1% increase. The funds will support critical upgrades to Consumers Energy's aging pipeline infrastructure, including replacing high-risk gas lines and improving methane leak detection to enhance safety and reliability.
The MPSC also approved investment in customer assistance programs for low to moderate income families but rejected some proposed costs, such as renovations to the Kalamazoo Service Center.
Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel continues to challenge Consumers Energy's rate hikes, advocating for significant reductions. She criticized the MPSC for approving increases above her office's recommendations, highlighting the financial strain on Michigan families.
Nessel also filed testimony seeking to cut a proposed $436 million electric rate hike by 64%, arguing that much of the increase is unjustified and burdensome for consumers. Her interventions have saved consumers nearly $4 billion over time.
Consumers Energy serves 1.9 million electric and 1.8 million natural gas customers throughout Michigan.
