Michigan… your heating bill is about to go up. Again. And winter hasn’t even started. As if families aren’t already getting hammered by groceries, gas prices, property taxes & just about everything else. Michigan regulators just approved a $139 million annual natural gas rate increase for Consumers Energy. Starting November 1, a typical residential customer will pay approximately 4.33% more per month. And SEMCO customers? You’re next. A separate $33 million annual rate increase takes effect January 1, 2027. Two utilities. More than $172 million in approved annual rate increases. And here’s what makes this even more frustrating… Consumers Energy originally requested a $240 million annual increase. Regulators reduced it to $139 million, but Michigan families are still getting another increase. Where does affordability fit into this conversation? How much more are Michigan households expected to absorb? And what are customers actually getting in return for these higher rates? Now here’s something most Michigan residents probably don’t know 👇🏻 The Michigan Public Service Commission is the state agency responsible for reviewing and approving utility rate increases. And guess who appoints the three commissioners making these decisions? The governor. That’s right. Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed all three current commissioners: Dan Scripps, Katherine Peretick & Shaquila Myers. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate. These are not elected positions. Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms. So while Michigan families are trying to figure out how to afford groceries, gas, housing & heating their homes this winter, the people making decisions about their utility rates are not directly accountable to voters at the ballot box. So make sure you vote for Michigan’s next governor wisely. @JocelynBenson supports these rate hikes, @JohnJamesMI does not.