(LANSING, MI) - Michigan lawmakers are considering a plan to limit how often utility companies can seek rate increases, as customers continue to see rising monthly bills.
A bill before the Michigan Senate Energy and Environment Committee would require a three-year gap between rate increase requests, instead of the current system that allows utilities to file every 12 months.
Supporters say the change would give households more cost stability and allow regulators more time to review complex cases.
The push comes after regulators approved a $276.6 million rate increase for Consumers Energy in March, the largest since 2004.
For customers in Branch County, that translates to about a 6 to 9 percent increase, adding roughly $6.46 per month starting May 1.
Consumers Energy has already indicated it plans to file for another increase in June, under the current rules.