Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel delivered scathing testimony on Tuesday, rebuking DTE Gas’s latest rate increase proposal before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Nessel opposed the corporation’s bid for a staggering $266 million hike, denouncing it as excessive and unjustified.
Highlighting egregious elements within DTE’s request, Nessel spotlighted the inclusion of frivolous expenses, notably executive corporate jet travel, as particularly offensive. She contended that such expenses lacked merit and unfairly burdened consumers.
Nessel advocated for a more restrained approach, suggesting that DTE’s annual increase should not exceed $112.2 million, ensuring a more moderate 4% rise in customer bills. Her testimony aimed to balance the need for infrastructure investment with the imperative to shield consumers from unwarranted financial strain.
The attorney general’s scrutiny underscores a broader commitment to safeguarding consumers’ interests against corporate overreach, signaling a pivotal moment in Michigan’s energy regulatory landscape.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
