Consumers Energy
Coverage of Consumers Energy in the Nexus archive.
- Consumers Energy may drain part of Manistee River to investigate dam damage
Consumers Energy may drain part of the Manistee River to investigate dam damage. The Hodenpyl Dam is one of two major Consumers Energy dams in the river and part of 13 statewide.
- Farmington Hills homeowner says Consumers Energy dug a hole in his front yard and never came back
A Farmington Hills homeowner, David Cavanaugh, claims Consumers Energy dug a 4-5 feet deep and 6 feet wide hole in his yard over a year ago and has not repaired it, creating a safety hazard. Cavanaugh has contacted both the city and Consumers Energy, who recently acknowledged his complaint but have yet to provide a solution.
- 3 of Michigan’s largest electric utilities under investigation over response to recent storms
Three of Michigan’s largest electric utilities—DTE, Consumers Energy, and Indiana Michigan Power Company—are under investigation by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) over their response to severe storms on July 3, which caused widespread outages. The MPSC received over 1,500 complaints about inaccurate restoration estimates and delays amid extreme heat. The utilities were ordered to submit detailed reports by August 2026 and update their extreme weather policies by October 2024.
- Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
Utilities have proposed over $18 billion in rate hikes across the U.S. in the first half of 2026, with Southern states accounting for the largest increases. PowerLines reported that these hikes could affect 56 million customers, as regulators rarely reject utility rate requests despite public concerns over affordability.
- Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
Utilities across the U.S. have requested over $18 billion in rate hikes for 2026, with Southern states leading the increase. These proposed hikes could affect 56 million customers, as regulators face pressure to balance utility spending and grid modernization needs.
- Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
Utilities have proposed over $18 billion in rate hikes across the U.S. in the first half of the year, affecting 56 million customers. Southern states face the largest requested increases, while regulators rarely reject rate requests, leading to ongoing financial strain for consumers.
- Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
Utilities across the U.S. have proposed over $18 billion in rate hikes for 2026, with Southern states leading the increases. PowerLines reported $9.2 billion in requested rate increases in Q2 2026, affecting 56 million customers, driven by companies like Oncor and Dominion Energy. Regulators rarely reject rate requests, though they often approve lower amounts than requested.
- Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
Utilities across the U.S. have requested over $18 billion in rate hikes for 2026, impacting 56 million customers. PowerLines reported Southern states face the largest increases, with Texas's Oncor and Virginia's Dominion Energy leading requests. Regulators may approve most increases despite public concerns over affordability.
- Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
Utilities across the U.S. have requested over $18 billion in rate hikes for 2026, affecting 56 million customers, with Southern states accounting for the largest increase. PowerLines reported that regulators rarely reject such requests, and rising bills have pushed state officials to consider rate freezes or additional energy assistance.
- Guide: How Michigan’s process for setting DTE, Consumers rates factors into midterms
Michigan's Public Service Commission regulates utility rates, with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy seeking significant rate increases. Legislative bills aim to limit rate hikes to every three years and tie property tax changes to rate rollbacks. The MPSC's rate-setting process involves administrative law judges and public input through E-Docket.
- How a rural Michigan community stopped a proposed 1.4-gigawatt power plant
Residents of Lima Township, Michigan, successfully halted a proposed 1.4-gigawatt power plant on farmland after weeks of protest. The project, initially discovered by Ken Klovski due to drilling activity, was denied by Consumers Energy representatives during a public meeting, though community members remained skeptical. The utility company later withdrew the plan.
- Tracking DTE power outages in Metro Detroit: More than 264K without power
Severe storms caused widespread power outages in Metro Detroit, leaving 264,840 DTE Energy customers without power as of 7:45 p.m. on Friday. High winds, hail, thunder, and lightning disrupted the area, with safety advisories issued for downed power lines and instructions provided for reporting outages.
- Amid dam sale critiques, Consumers offers to send profits to safety fund
Consumers Energy plans to send profits from dam sales to a safety fund amid critiques. The Hardy Dam's spillway requires a $350 million replacement, part of ongoing costs for aging dams.
- Gas main rupture closes part of Pontiac Trail in Oakland County
A ruptured gas main caused by construction has led to partial closures on Pontiac Trail in Oakland County. Consumers Energy crews are repairing the damage, with work expected to continue overnight and into Thursday. Drivers are advised to avoid the area between Haggerty Road and Green Lake Road.
- How you can save on your energy bills this summer
Summer peak electric rates from DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are in effect, with cooling costs expected to rise 10.5% this summer. Tips to save include pre-cooling homes, energy-efficient practices, and using DTE's tools to manage energy usage.
- Dog killed by downed power line in Dearborn
A 2-year-old dog died after being electrocuted by a downed power line in Dearborn on June 12. The incident occurred near Franklin and Oak streets, and the Dearborn Fire Department reported that the dog was caught in a charged fence line. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy provided safety guidelines for handling downed power lines.
- Michigan lawmakers forge ahead on energy issues as frustrations with utilities remain
Michigan lawmakers introduced legislation to cap energy utilities' return on equity at 8.2%, restrict ratepayer funds from supporting executive compensation and political activities, and mandate independent audits of utility performance. The proposals aim to address consumer frustrations over high energy costs and reliability issues, particularly impacting low-income families and communities of color.
- Judge: Michigan should reject Consumers’ ‘highly problematic’ dam sale
A judge ruled that Michigan should reject Consumers Energy's plan to sell 13 dams, including the Calkins Bridge Dam on the Kalamazoo River, calling the sale 'highly problematic'. Consumers Energy aims to exit its unprofitable hydropower business through these sales.
- Dana Nessel plans to intervene as Consumers Energy requests $456M electrical rate increase
Consumers Energy has requested a $456 million rate increase and a $25 million 12-month surcharge from the Michigan Public Service Commission. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced her office will intervene, criticizing the request as inflated and highlighting concerns about rising energy costs and utility profits.
- A simple — yet expensive — way to climate-proof the grid: Bury the power lines
Burying power lines is proposed as a climate-resilience measure to reduce outages caused by extreme weather, highlighted by a 2025 ice storm in northern Michigan that left thousands without power for weeks. Utilities acknowledge the benefits but cite high costs, with undergrounding estimated at $400,000 per mile in rural areas and up to $3 million in urban zones.