Michigan AG Opposes DTE Rate Increase for Jet Costs

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging a proposed rate hike by DTE Energy, which seeks an additional increase just months after a $368 million rise. In her testimony to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), Nessel accused DTE of inflating operational costs, citing extravagant expenditures on corporate jet travel. If approved, the new rate hike would result in a 10% increase in consumer bills, a move Nessel deems "excessive and unnecessary." Local business owner Carly Leisk, who runs Culture Beer and Cheese in Brighton, echoed Nessel's concerns, highlighting the financial strain on small businesses already grappling with rising rents and food costs. Leisk criticized DTE's spending habits, stating that while energy is essential, the burden of corporate luxuries should not fall on consumers. She emphasized that her business relies heavily on electricity for refrigeration and cooking, making any rate increase particularly burdensome. Nessel's office revealed that DTE spent over $236,000 on private jet travel in 2022 for its investors and board members. This spending, according to Nessel, contradicts DTE's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In her testimony, she urged the MPSC to reject the proposed rate hike, advocating for a more responsible approach to utility costs that does not penalize consumers for corporate excesses.