In Ann Arbor, Michigan, DTE Energy customers raised their voices over increasing electric rates and unreliable service. This protest occurred during the Ann Arbor for Public Power Block Party, a gathering advocating for municipal control of electric utilities.
Community Concerns Over DTE Rate Hikes
Brian Geiringer, the executive director of Ann Arbor for Public Power, criticized DTE Energy as being among the most expensive and unreliable utilities in the United States. He emphasized the pressing need for local control over electricity services.
Customer Experiences
Many attendees, including Hannah Baker, a University of Michigan student, shared personal experiences of frequent power outages. “There have been a lot of power outages in my local community,” Baker noted, highlighting the impact of storms and other factors on service reliability. She stressed the importance of raising awareness about these issues.
Proposed Rate Increases
This year, DTE requested a significant rate increase exceeding $570 million, scheduled to take effect as early as February 2026. Bentley Johnson from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters pointed out that electric bills are rising at double the rate of inflation, creating a financial burden for consumers.
Calls for Consumer Protections
Johnson urged for stronger legal protections for customers facing rising rates. He outlined the need for a “ratepayer bill of rights” to ensure better performance and cleaner energy solutions for DTE customers.
DTE’s Response
In response to the protest, DTE issued a statement highlighting its recent investments. The utility attributed a nearly 70% improvement in service reliability in 2024 to a $1.5 billion investment in the electric grid and favorable weather conditions. DTE claimed that residential customers’ bills have risen only 3% over the past four years, remaining lower than regional and national averages.
Regulatory Oversight
Michigan utility companies, including DTE, are regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The commission enforces strict service quality and reliability standards, which include specific goals for reliability improvement and penalties for non-compliance.
The ongoing debate over DTE’s rate hikes and service reliability has sparked a significant community response in Ann Arbor, emphasizing the need for accountability and potential reforms in the state’s energy sector.
