Consumers Energy’s December Rate Hike Plan Raises Eyebrows in Michigan

Well, Michigan, it's that time again —  when the leaves fall, the temperature drops, and Consumers Energy decides your wallet could be a bit lighter. Yep, fresh off a $157 million natural gas rate increase approved less than a month ago, Consumers Energy has announced plans to file another one this December that will increase your bill even more. Because apparently, inflation in Michigan isn't doing a good enough job on its own.

RELATED: Consumers Energy's First Rate Hike Approved — You’ll Pay More

Attorney General Nessel’s Challenge

Attorney General Dana Nessel isn't having it. She's already gearing up to challenge the move, promising to comb through the filing like a mom checking her kid's phone after curfew. Nessel said her office will scrutinize every line for "unreasonable or unsupported costs," which, based on past filings, could include, for example, DTE's request for customers to fund private jet travel for executives. (Because nothing says " we care about our customers" quite like flying over them in a Gulfstream.)

Why Are Utilities Asking Again So Soon?

Consumers Energy hasn't said how much this new request will be, but last time (last month), they wanted $248 million — a move that would've hiked residential bills by about 12%. Michigan families, meanwhile, are just trying to heat their homes without selling a kidney.

Nessel summed it up best: "We cannot keep allowing these utilities to treat these hikes like business as usual." Translation: enough is enough, and maybe — just maybe — it's time that companies like Consumers Energy and DTE learned that "public service" doesn't mean "public funding for private perks."