DTE’s rate hike request comes as Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt.
Brian Allnutt, Planet Detroit
Posted inEnvironment, Political and Public Policy Information
Detroit City Council backs repeal of Michigan’s ban-on-bans for plastic bags
Detroit City Council resolution highlights the cost of plastic waste, including the health threat posed by microplastics and nanoplastics.
Posted inEnvironment, Political and Public Policy Information
Heat waves challenge Detroit renters: Should city legislate air conditioning?
A Detroit apartment building’s air conditioning failure raises questions about what the city can do to protect renters from heat as the climate warms.
Posted inEnvironment
How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will increase Michigan power costs
Federal budget bill will cost the average ratepayer $320 a year and eliminate 19,000 jobs by 2035, study finds.
Posted inBusiness, Environment
Consumers Energy files $436M rate hike request: Customer advocate says it’s ‘slap in the face’
Consumers Energy says increase will improve reliability, while advocacy group says the utility needs to focus on maintenance rather than expensive infrastructure upgrades.
Posted inEnvironment
Climate is adding to Detroit air quality problems: American Lung Association
American Lung Association report finds nearly half the nation lives in areas with unhealthy air, warns EPA cuts could make the problem worse.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
DTE Energy to request another rate hike on heels of $217M January increase
DTE Energy’s upcoming April 23 rate hike request follows a recent $217-million increase for metro Detroit customers that sparked public outcry over high bills, frequent outages.
Posted inEnvironment, Health and Welfare
Climate change could trigger more water main breaks like Southwest Detroit disaster
Increasingly volatile winter temperatures and prolonged summer heat may be creating problems for Detroit’s aging water infrastructure.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Health and Welfare
GLWA customers challenge 5.9% water rate hike: ‘Why now?’
Residents say rate hike will add to the economic stress created by high housing and energy costs and argue shutoffs could create a public health emergency.
Posted inEnvironment
EGLE poised to allow more pollution in southwest Detroit
Advocates are concerned that “significant impact levels” could be used to greenlight more projects in the already highly polluted area.