Consumers Energy Bills in Michigan Increasing Nov 1st

If it feels like every time you turn around, Consumers Energy is asking for more money, you are not wrong. Actually asking is putting it nicely. It is more like demanding because let’s be honest, we really don't have a choice in the matter.

Well, they're at it again. According to ABC 12, the Michigan Public Service Commission just approved a $157.5 million natural gas rate hike that takes effect on November 1. How thoughtful, right before the holidays, when everyone has extra cash just lying around

Consumers originally wanted a whopping $248 million, which would have meant about a 12 percent bump for residential customers. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel fought back, saying only $142 million was justified. Regulators landed somewhere in the middle, but “middle” still means your bill is going up.

For the average household, that is about six to seven dollars more a month on natural gas. Now I know that doesn't sound like much, but when you stack it on top of everything else they have been hitting us with, it adds up fast.

While you’re bracing for higher gas bills, here comes more bad news. Consumers is also pushing for a $436 million electric rate increase. This is on top of the $154 million hike they already walked away with in March. Nessel’s office is trying to cut the new request down, but if history repeats itself...we’re screwed.