Consumers Energy Granted Rate Hike

The Michigan Public Service Commission has given Consumers Energy regulatory approval to increase natural gas rates by 7.6%.
The commission approved the $143.5 million hike on Thursday. Starting in October, the average residential customer is expected to see their bills go up by about $5.48 a month.  Consumers had asked for a $229 million increase.

In another move, the Michigan PSC approved tax cut-related refunds for Consumers Energy electric customers.  That means a residential customer using 500 kilowatt hours monthly will see a 68 cent decrease starting in October.

Consumers Energy provides natural gas service to 4.1 million people.