DTE Energy files its second-highest rate increase request ever
DTE’s fourth rate increase in five years seeks more corporate profits at the expense of Michigan families, businesses
LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement condemning DTE Energy’s $574 million rate increase request to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) — its second highest in the company’s history fueled by maximizing shareholder profits and revenue through rate hikes on Michiganders.
“We already pay the highest energy costs in the Midwest for the worst reliability, period. Our bills are too damn high, and this latest request – mere months since the last increase – is a slap in the face to Michiganders that are struggling to afford their bills,” said Bob Allison, deputy director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Rates are skyrocketing, shutoffs are on the rise, and yet DTE last year gave new bonuses for jacking up our rates to its executive officers, including CEO Jerry Norcia who makes over $12 million a year. This latest rate request should be rejected by our state regulators on the grounds of cruel and unusual punishment.”
If approved under DTE’s current proposal, the typical customer’s bill would increase by $13.50 a month. DTE’s latest filing would be the utility’s fourth rate increase in five years after the MPSC just approved another increase of $217 million in January, amounting to a $4.61 average increase in customer bills per month.
A 2025 company report makes plain that the utility incentivizes executives to seek the highest rate increases possible and gives multiple executives bonuses for higher returns, including its CEO, CFO and COO, without making meaningful improvements to service. These increases have funded private jets, executive bonuses and other lavish expenditures even when Michigan families are left without power.
Michiganders pay the highest rates for energy in the Midwest yet receive some of the worst service and reliability in the country when it comes to power outages. An independent audit of Michigan’s two largest electric utilities, DTE and Consumers Energy, found they offer below-average service and glacial outage restoration times compared to their peers in the Midwest, despite pulling in billion-dollar profits annually.
Under new regulations passed in February, DTE and Consumers could face up to $10 million in fines if they can’t reduce outages and cut back on customers going days without power during severe weather blackouts.
“When you’re a multi-billion dollar company, unfortunately, such potential penalties are still a drop in the bucket,” said Alex Kellogg, Energy Accountability Manager for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Until these outrageous rate increases stop being approved, people in Michigan will continue to be the ones who suffer.”
The rate case filing can be found on the Michigan Public Service Commission website here.