DTE Energy Requests Natural Gas Rate Increase

DTE Energy is proposing a rate increase to its natural gas customers.

The energy company has asked the Michigan Public Services Commission for an 11 percent increase, equaling about $195 million a year. The increase would affect some customers in Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Iosco, Ogemaw and Roscommon counties.

The request comes at a time when Michiganders are dealing with increased bills due to low temperatures as more natural gas is used to heat homes. A recent report by the Michigan Poverty Task Force also shows around 43 percent of Michigan residents are struggling to pay for basic necessities like food, water and shelter.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will investigate the request to argue against any unreasonable rate increase which provides no benefit to customers. Nessel says even small monthly increases in a customer’s bill can have a negative impact on a family’s budget.