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Living in Michigan holds unique charms, from the serene beauty of two Great Lakes to vibrant cities. Yet many Michiganders face a persistent and frustrating problem: unreliable electric grids and high energy bills.

Currently, Michiganders pay the highest electric rates for the second worst power outages in the Midwest because monopoly corporations like DTE and Consumers Energy have spent millions in state political contributions to escape accountability for poor service and high energy bills.

Whether you're a homeowner constantly worrying about power outages or a business owner grappling with a high Consumers Energy bill or DTE bill, the struggle is real and shared by many across the state. Here’s why it’s happening — and what you can do.

The Causes of Michigan's Power Outage Woes

The abnormally high rate of Michigan power outages is an all-too-familiar sore spot for its residents. The state ranks second nationwide for the number of power disruptions per year, and it’s the fourth worst state for power loss duration. In general, electric outages are most often caused by severe weather, and the entire Midwest is known for its punch-packing thunderstorms, snowstorms, and ice. 

However, neighboring Midwestern states with similar weather patterns have fewer outages and faster power restoration times. Several factors contribute to this disparity:

• Aging infrastructure. Michigan's electrical grid is outdated and often struggles to keep up with modern demands. Many components of the grid are decades old, making them prone to failures.

• Inadequate power loss prevention. According to ratepayer advocates, major utility companies in Michigan — namely, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy — consistently neglect to execute adequate outage prevention strategies, like maintaining the electric grid and trimming trees near power lines.

• Increasingly extreme weather patterns. Global warming and the current climate crisis have been causing more frequent and destructive weather events, placing additional strain on an already-fragile infrastructure.

These outages not only disrupt daily life, but can also lead to significant economic losses, particularly for small businesses that rely heavily on consistent power supply.

Why Electric Bills Are So High in Michigan

In addition to having more frequent and longer-lasting power disruptions than other Midwestern states, Michigan residents also pay some of the highest electricity rates in the region. The average electric bill in Michigan is several cents higher per kilowatt hour than in states like Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. Several factors contribute to these high costs:

• Corrupt political influence. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy enjoy strong political influence through their substantial donations to lawmakers. These totaled almost $500,000 in 2023, and over 80% of the state legislating body accepted contributions from these corporations that year. This practice leads to profitable regulatory decisions for energy companies at the expense of consumers. Further, because they are regional monopolies, consumers can’t choose to switch to a competitor.

• High operational costs. High costs associated with maintaining aging infrastructure and making investments in new components and technologies are often passed on to consumers, especially if regulatory bodies allow this to happen.

• Approval of rate increases. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved multiple rate increases for utility companies. For example, Consumers Energy was recently granted a $92 million rate increase.

These factors combine to create a disproportionate financial burden on residents and small businesses, making it difficult for many to manage their monthly energy expenses.

How Michiganders Can Take Back Their Power

While these challenges are complex, there are relatively simple steps that Michiganders can take to get better continuity and pricing when it comes to electricity. 

Start by Taking Back Your Right to Affordable Energy

It doesn’t have to be this way. Join us in urging state lawmakers to sign the Taking Back Our Power Pledge. The program, a collaboration with our sister organization Michigan United Action and six other organizations, advocates for a bill that would prohibit regulated monopoly corporations and government contract-seeking corporations from making state or local political contributions.

Michigan United is a broad, statewide coalition working to reform our broken healthcare and immigration systems, protect our environment, end mass incarceration, and make essential services accessible to all. We are steadfast in our belief that all of us suffer when corporations have undue influence over the elected officials who are supposed to be looking out for us.

Speak Up and Take Action 

Engage with social justice-related nonprofits and policymakers to push for regulatory reforms that prioritize consumer interests over utility company profits. You can do this conveniently and effectively through the Taking Back Our Power campaign, which seeks to ban regulated monopoly corporations from contributing to political funds in order to gain lucrative government contracts.

Increase Your Energy Efficiency 

Implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies can help reduce consumption and lower bills. Green banks like Michigan Saves publish tips for saving energy and offer affordable financing for eligible energy-efficient home and business upgrades. 

Participate in Utility Incentive Programs

Utility companies — yes, even DTE Energy and Consumers Energy — offer consumer rebate and discount programs for qualifying energy-efficient purchases. Find out if you can take advantage of these and take back some of your energy bill budget.

Support Clean Energy Initiatives

Advocate and vote for clean energy initiatives and laws. These make sustainable energy more accessible for lower-income communities. They also work to hold utility companies accountable for initiatives like implementing affordable solar energy, electric waste reduction, and energy-efficient retrofittings for homes and businesses.  

While the road to fair and reliable electricity service is challenging, collective action and informed decision-making can pave the way for meaningful improvements. By taking these steps, Michiganders can achieve a more equitable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.