State Rep. Doug Wozniak released a statement today after the Michigan Public Service Commission authorized DTE Energy to raise customer rates by $368 million — a 6.4% increase. DTE said it needed the rate increase to comply with the state’s existing clean energy goals — requirements much smaller than Democrats’ new clean energy mandates.

“This is a devastating step in the wrong direction for families struggling to make ends meet,” said Wozniak, R-Shelby Township. “There is no question this decision is a direct result of Lansing Democrats and their radical new green energy plan. They made false promises that their new policies, which have been abandoned by many left-leaning states and countries, would improve reliability and affordability. Instead, utility companies are already pushing renewable energy expenses onto the consumer before the extreme policies are even implemented.”

The green energy mandates, which require the state to use 100% clean energy by 2040, were signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month. The plan will effectively ban natural gas power plants by requiring expensive and impractical technology. In its place, Democrats are forcing a shift to unreliable wind and solar power sources. The bills repealed a rate cap, allowing utilities to pass on 100% of the green energy implementation expenses to ratepayers. The plan also gives zoning authority over large wind and solar projects to the Michigan Public Service Commission, prohibiting local government discretion over projects in their communities.

Wozniak, who serves as the Republican Vice Chair of the House Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors, is worried for young families and those on fixed incomes who may already be struggling. He’s also concerned about the potential impact driving up electric costs could have on local businesses, especially in a time where more and more people are leaving Michigan. An expert analysis projects that average monthly electric bills could double under the legislation.

“Our friends and neighbors were expecting their elected officials to make the energy grid more reliable and affordable,” Wozniak said. “Democrats delivered a plan that checks off every box on an environmental activist’s wish list. The governor ignored Republican input on her way to lining the pockets of utility companies. This plan drives new families from our great state to places where their monthly electric bill and mortgage payment aren’t the same cost.”

Senate Bills 271, 273, 277, 502, and 519, and House Bills 5120-5121 previously passed the Democrat-run House and Senate along party lines.

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