Advanced Energy Perspectives

In its November 7 order in the DTE Gas Co. rate case, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved several key decisions to protect consumers and pave the way for more affordable heating options in the cold-climate state.  

DTE filed its request to raise rates by $266 million on customers in January 2024, noting that most of the dollars would go toward pipeline maintenance and modernization. This comes as part of a broader trend affecting the industry – natural gas utilities across the country continue to raise delivery rates at unsustainable levels, leaving consumers with skyrocketing gas bills.  

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to soar in popularity and, as they become more commonplace, it’s increasingly important for businesses and decisionmakers to not only understand the benefits, complexities, and future use cases for EVs, but also implement policy solutions to better prepare for the widespread transition to electrified transportation.  

Kicking off today and running through October 6 is National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), which aims to heighten awareness and highlight the benefits of today's widespread availability of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. NDEW is a celebration of the transformative power of EVs to lower transportation costs for drivers, improve public health, and even improve electricity resilience for households and communities. During NDEW, there are several events hosted in various cities throughout the country, including EV showcases, test drives, presentations, and community engagement activities to educate the public about the advantages and positive economic and environmental impacts of EVs. 

In a rare joint session of the Senate’s Environment and Energy Committee and the Assembly’s Telecommunications and Utilities Committees last week, the future of New Jersey’s energy portfolio was debated.