DTE to file another rate hike just days after getting $242 million increase

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement in response to DTE submitting a filing to the Michigan Public Service Commission announcing it intends to seek another electric rate increase request in April. The announcement comes less than a week after state regulators approved a $242 million rate increase on Feb. 19. 

“Just days after DTE Energy secured a $242 million increase on our electricity bills, they are at it again announcing they will file another rate hike in the coming months,” said Alex Kellogg, energy accountability manager for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “DTE made $1.5 billion in profits in 2025, and the financial success for their shareholders is coming off the backs of working Michigan families, many of whom are struggling to keep up with rising energy bills. The never-ending cycle of constant rate hikes and no accountability must end. Leaders must step up to pass a ratepayer bill of rights to give Michiganders relief and rein in corporate utility greed.” 

Background on DTE Rate Hikes: 

Investor reports also clearly show DTE Energy’s CEO and executives receive bonuses based on how much they are able to raise our bills. In 2024, DTE Energy’s CEO made more than $12 million, for example, a $2 million increase from 2023. 

Research by the advocacy group the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan has repeatedly found Michigan families and businesses pay the highest energy bills in the Midwest, yet endure some of the longest power outages in the country. 

DTE’s new electric rates will take effect in February of next year and affect approximately 2.3 million families and businesses across Southeast Michigan.

Bills, part of a legislative framework known as the Ratepayer Bill of Rights, were introduced in the state legislature last year. Among other things, the Ratepayer Bill of Rights seeks to:

• Ban political contributions from regulated utilities to lawmakers.
• Stop Michigan families and businesses from funding CEO bonuses and corporate lavish lifestyles while customers sit in the dark for too long.
• Guarantee the right to reliable, affordable energy for every household.
• Empower residents to choose their own electric provider and communities to produce more of their own clean energy, like community solar, without obstruction from monopoly utilities.