Michigan Regulators Trim Consumers Energy Gas Hike to $139M, Rejecting $240M Request
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a $139.2 million annual rate increase for Consumers Energy natural gas customers, effective November 1, 2026. This decision represents a 42% reduction from the utility's initial $240 million request. The hike will raise average monthly bills by approximately $4 for 1.8 million customers. While the MPSC approved a 9.8% return on equity and funding for infrastructure replacement, it rejected $7.9 million for pipeline integrity work, citing over-projection. Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the utility for inflating costs and urged systemic regulatory changes.