AG is reviewing Consumer Energy’s latest hike request, which could raise rates by 12%

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Consumers Energy has requested a $248 million annual increase in its gas rates that, if approved, would increase rates for residential customers by 12%.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed her Notice of Intervention with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in Consumers Energy’s latest tariff case.

According to the AG’s office, this rate increase request comes just five months after Consumers Energy received approval to increase its gas rates by $35 million.

“Consumers Energy is seeking another gas rate increase, just five months after the last rate increase was approved by the MPSC,” Nessel said. “My office will carefully review this request to ensure that Consumers Energy does not again attempt to fatten their rate increase by including expenses they cannot justify to the MPSC, as they did last time we worked on this have to reduce their tariff increase by 75%. We will continue to work to hold utilities accountable and keep unjustified costs off ratepayers’ bills.”

Mid-Michigan NOW has reached out to Consumers Energy for comment on this matter.

“We expect there will be interveners in any tariff case we file, as collaboration and negotiation with interested parties is part of the regulatory process,” a Consumers Energy spokesperson said.