AG Nessel seeking to reduce DTE requested rate hike by 90%

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to significantly cut a rate increase request from DTE Gas Co. as part of her effort to keep natural gas services from one of the state’s largest utilities affordable.

In February, Nessel intervened in DTE’s filed rate case as an advocate for the utility’s natural gas customers across the state. The company asked for a $195 million increase, which would reflect an increase of more than 11% for residential customers.

In her testimony filed June 3, Nessel contended the request is excessive and unreasonable. Alternatively, Nessel emphasized DTE should receive no more than a $19 million annual increase and should distribute those costs, so all customers are paying their fair share.

Nessel’s testimony seeks to provide DTE with necessary funding for infrastructure upgrades while making sure that any rate increase remains moderate for all customers.

“Michiganders have been through a lot over the past year-plus, and I want to help make sure ratepayers are not blindsided by large increases in utility bills just when we are starting to see signs of returning to normalcy,” Nessel said. “While I certainly appreciate utility commitments to improve natural gas infrastructure in the state to ensure that our natural gas supply is safe and reliable, unnecessary and excessive expenditures must be avoided. My testimony in this case appropriately balances those concerns and offers a reasonable resolution for all ratepayers.”

DTE provides natural gas to 1.3 million customers across the state and electricity to approximately 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan.

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