Michigan's public utility regulator is advancing concrete measures to lower energy costs for income-constrained households, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission.
The MPSC said it is moving ahead on implementing a goal to reduce the energy burden on income-constrained households in Michigan to approximately 6 percent of household income on their energy bills. The commission also launched an affordability webpage detailing steps it has taken to control energy costs and expand energy assistance programs.
Michigan's average monthly household energy bills remain well below the national average, and the state's average electric bills increased 4.9 percent below the overall rate of inflation between 2020 and 2026, according to the commission.
The MPSC responded to a request from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requesting the commission identify ways to lower utility bills through legislative reforms and new energy assistance programs. The commission recommended ending annual rate cases, tying utility earnings to cost efficiency and improved reliability, requiring better use of the existing grid before investing more, and expanding eligibility for energy assistance programs.
The commission held a public hearing workshop in Grand Rapids in August and scheduled another for August 17 in Detroit. The workshops allow residents to learn about issues affecting utility costs and share perspectives on the commission's affordability and assistance initiatives.