Michigan Approves $139M Consumers Gas Rate Hike

Michigan regulators approved a $139.2 million increase in Consumers Energy’s natural gas rates, about 4.3% for customers, effective Nov. 1. The increase is below the $240 million the utility originally sought; a typical household using 7,500 cubic feet monthly will pay about $3.92 more per month. Regulators said the revenue will support gas-system safety and reliability work, including replacing aging infrastructure and detecting and repairing leaks. Consumers Energy said the investments are intended to reduce risks and strengthen service, while Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the continued rise in utility bills and argued for tighter limits on rate increases.