DTE Energy Seeks $574 Million Rate Hike for Customers in Michigan

DETROIT, Mich. — DTE Energy has filed a request for a $574 million rate increase with state regulators, a move that would raise residential electric bills by 11.1%. This request follows a $217 million rate hike approved just months ago and aims to improve grid reliability and transition to cleaner energy sources.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) will review the request, which also seeks to extend an Infrastructure Recovery Mechanism to support additional grid investments through 2029. If granted, residential customers could see their bills increase by an average of $13.50 per month starting in February 2026.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the utility’s request, stating that frequent rate hike requests burden ratepayers and reflect inadequate service. “At some point, we have to ask how long utility companies like DTE and Consumers Energy will be allowed to treat customer bills like a blank check,” she said.

DTE spokesperson Ryan Lowry stood by the company’s need for the hike, citing significant improvements in service reliability. Last year, DTE invested approximately $1.5 billion in infrastructure, leading to a 70% reduction in customer outages compared to 2023.

Activist Dennis Black from the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition voiced concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities, particularly those on fixed incomes. “This rate hike is an undue financial burden for many Detroit residents,” he said. “Many will continue to face the threat of losing power.”

The MPSC is expected to take up to ten months to render a decision regarding the rate increase. Meanwhile, consumer advocates urge the public to contact their local legislators to voice concerns about the proposed hike and its potential consequences.