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.  

Everyone deserves access to home heating that doesn’t burn a hole in their pockets. Yet, a recent study by Strategen conducted for Advanced Energy United sounds the alarm for Consumers Energy customers in Michigan. Monthly home heating bills, an already significant burden for many, are forecasted to rise — from an average of $75 in 2021 to between $114 and $131 in 2030.

This week, Governor Whitmer signed into law a suite of clean energy policies that set Michigan on a path to a decarbonized power system. The new laws include some of the most significant energy policy reforms since the establishment of the state’s renewable portfolio standard in 2008 and electric integrated resource planning in 2016.

While much attention is focused on key Congressional races as we head into Election Day, the outcomes of contests for governor and state legislative seats could be just as consequential for the clean energy industry—if not more so. To ensure state policies help advanced energy and transportation make the necessary strides needed for the U.S. to reach net zero, AEE met with more than 130 candidates in key races to emphasize the value of clean energy.