Help Me Hank

DTE Energy seeks $456M rate increase approval

Average bill expected to increase by $11 if approved

Hank Winchester, Consumer Investigative Reporter

Dane Kelly, Digital Reporter

Published: March 28, 2024 at 5:35 PM

DETROIT – Metro Detroit’s largest energy provider is going to the state with a pretty big ask.

DTE Energy is seeking approval for a rate hike that could come as early as 2025. The utility wants a $456 million rate increase to reportedly improve reliability and build what it calls “the grid of the future.”

In its request to the Michigan Public Service Commission, DTE Energy detailed why -- it says it comes down to improving service and reliability.

The rate hike request comes four months after the utility was approved to increase its rates by $368 million in December 2023.

Background: What newly approved DTE Electric rate hike means for your monthly bill in SE Michigan

Residents who are forced to use DTE want to see more from the utility before rates are increased.

At $456 million, the average bill would go up about $11 a month. If approved, the hike would begin in January 2025. DTE said it will use the money to improve service and fund new tech projects that will help them narrow down areas without power.