Capitol News

State Rep. Greg Alexander of Carsonville has expressed concern over a recent rate hike for DTE customers in Michigan. This comes just days after new laws were signed that require utilities to meet impractical timelines for renewable energy, which are projected to cost ratepayers even more. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a total rate increase of $368 million for customers last week, resulting in a 6% increase for a typical residential customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity per month.

According to DTE, the rate increase was necessary to comply with the state's existing energy goals. However, Rep. Alexander argues that the current requirements are much less stringent than what lies ahead. He emphasizes that the costs for infrastructure build-outs to accelerate the shift to green energy will ultimately be borne by the customers in the form of higher rates. This contradicts the promises made by proponents of these plans that they would lead to lower rates.

"These new laws are creating pay cuts for people across Michigan in real-time," says Rep. Alexander. "They are part of a growing trend of bad policy moves that are making our state less affordable."

The new laws mandate that all utilities in Michigan utilize 100% clean energy by 2040. Additionally, they grant the MPSC the authority to site large solar and wind projects, diminishing the roles of local elected officials. Rep. Alexander has been advocating for practical updates to the plans as they progress through the Legislature. He proposed amendments to protect Michigan's agriculture industry, but they were not adopted by the Democrat majority.

A recent analysis from the Mackinac Center revealed that a net-zero energy plan could cost Michigan ratepayers over $200 billion in additional energy costs. Rep. Alexander believes that these costs will make it more difficult for people to afford basic necessities such as cooking and heating their homes.

"This is the wrong approach for hard-working people and job providers in Michigan," says Rep. Alexander. "A radical national agenda in the Green New Deal was deemed to be more important than people's pocketbooks and input from our communities."

The concerns raised by Rep. Alexander highlight the potential consequences of green energy mandates on the affordability of electricity for Michigan residents. The rate increase approved by the MPSC serves as a stark reminder of the financial burden that can result from ambitious renewable energy goals. As the state moves towards a 100% clean energy future, it is crucial to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and economic feasibility to ensure that the transition is both effective and affordable for all.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-alexander-rate-increases-show-grim-future-of-green-energy-mandates