During its Tuesday session, the Michigan Senate Energy Committee continued to delay urgently needed action that ensures small-scale solar has a future in Michigan.

The Committee unanimously approved two resolutions encouraging the Michigan Public Service Commission to undertake studies on integrating resident-owned generation options - such as rooftop solar - into the electric grid. 

The resolutions, however, do nothing to lift the cap Michigan currently has on small-scale solar, said Charlotte Jameson, program director at Michigan Environmental Council. 

DTE Energy’s attempt to significantly raise electricity rates on its residential customers and run dirty, expensive power plants was blunted Friday.

April was the first month in history more renewable energy was used in the United States than coal. The Michigan Public Service Commission issued an order which continues that trend by rejecting unjustified fossil fuel spending and reducing the 9 percent rate increase DTE asked to impose on its residential customers.  The Commission’s decision will affect customer bills starting June 2020. 

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Citizens Utility Board of Michigan and Michigan Environmental Council urged municipal utilities Friday to better protect their customers’ physical and financial health and well-being.

This Michigan Environmental Council analysis outlines all Michigan utilities' commitments to shut-off moratoriums, reconnecting services and financial protections during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Download the report

The Michigan Public Service Commission announced Wednesday it would hold Michigan’s rate-regulated and cooperative electric and gas utilities accountable by calling on them to adopt minimum protections for their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Waking up warm and comfortable. Pouring milk for cereal. Logging your child into online schoolwork. Making stir fry over the stove. Listening to the news on the radio.

This is a snapshot of what many Michiganders likely experience each day as they stay at home protecting themselves and their community from COVID-19. It is not the case, however, for thousands of Michiganders and potentially thousands more.

DTE Energy’s attempts to significantly raise rates on residential customers and continue operating dirty, expensive power plants recently took a significant hit from an administrative law judge who issued a set of recommendations on the utility’s proposed rate case.

The Michigan Energy Efficiency For All coalition, of which Michigan Environmental Council is a part of, sent a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday urging her to protect and strengthen the essential services residents need to remain healthy and in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter is provided in full below. You can view a PDF version here.

Michigan Environmental Council was among the low-income customer and energy efficiency advocates across Michigan who called on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday to protect and strengthen the essential services residents need to remain healthy and in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.