State Rep. Donni Steele, R-Orion Township, today blasted DTE Energy’s latest request to raise its electric rates by $456.4 million — less than a year after the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $368 million increase for the utility.

“This is unacceptable,” Steele said. “Families across Michigan are already struggling to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living. DTE’s demand for yet another 10% hike will only make life harder for residents who are already stretched thin.”

Steele pointed out that she voted against the extreme green energy mandates pushed through the Legislature on partisan lines because of concerns about energy affordability for Michigan families. Among other changes, the new law repealed the rate cap, a move that allows utilities to pass on 100% of the green energy implementation expenses to ratepayers.

“We knew these policies would drive up energy costs for families, and now here we are,” Steele said. “It’s time we get back to common sense and put the needs of Michigan residents ahead of politics.”

In addition to the financial burden, Steele highlighted the ongoing frustrations many residents face with DTE’s unreliable service.

“People are frustrated by the high cost of energy and frequent outages that occur,” Steele said. “I urge the Michigan Public Service Commission to reject this unnecessary rate hike and hold DTE accountable for improving its service before any more costs are passed on to hardworking families.”

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