What is a Rate Request?
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) oversees utilities to ensure services are safe, reliable and fairly priced. By law, the MPSC sets the rates charged by regulated electric and natural gas providers. Any change to Consumers Energy’s rates requires MPSC approval through a rate case proceeding.
How a Rate Case Works
During the rate case process, the MPSC Staff and other parties will look at our request, present evidence and participate in a formal hearing. After going through all evidence, the MPSC must issue a final decision within 10 months.
Benefits of the Process
The rate case process ensures the energy you pay for is priced fairly and that every dollar is accounted for. It also ensures we can maintain a secure energy system today and responsibly plan for the future.Securing the natural gas grid to support Michigan now and in the future.
2025 U-21981 Rate Case Request
We’re securing Michigan’s natural gas grid to prepare for the future. On December 16, 2025, we filed a rate case request with the MPSC to adjust natural gas rates to make this happen.
We understand that rate and bill changes affect every business differently, and you deserve clear, simple information about what they mean for you. If the MPSC approves our rate request, businesses would see an estimated monthly increase of $37.29 (9.8%). Your exact bill impact will depend on how much electricity you use.
No Immediate Impact
It’s important to note there are no immediate changes to customer bills. The MPSC will review this filing and has 10 months – until Oct. 2026 – to approve all or some of the request. When the process is complete, we’ll let customers know about any changes to their bill and when they will take effect.
Filing Documentation for Case U-21870
We’re sharing the case documents here so you can easily follow along and stay informed. We also welcome you to share your feedback about this request.
Why We’re Making This Request
We deliver power to nearly two million homes and businesses across Michigan. This responsibility requires ongoing work to build and maintain a strong, reliable infrastructure. We know how important dependable energy is to your business, which is why 75 cents of every customer dollar goes to securing our electric grid. To prepare for the future we’re:
Replacing thousands of service lines
We will be upgrading thousands of lines that connect homes and businesses to our system.
Updating pressure facilities
Updating pressure facilities helps natural gas flow more safely to homes and businesses.
Adding cost-effective technology
We will be adding technology to help lower costs such as remote control valves that quickly shut off parts of the system when needed.
Replacing hundreds of miles of pipelines
We will be modernizing and upgrading hundreds of miles of gas pipelines. This will include the Four Cities Metro Pipeline in Oakland and Macomb counties.
Updating or retiring old gas storage wells
Newer storage wells allow us to buy and store natural gas in the summer when rates are lower. These savings are then passed along to our customers.
These upgrades create jobs, help Michigan’s economy, protect the environment and control the cost of energy. Our innovative use of technology helps keep bills as low as possible.
Your natural gas bill has three main parts:
You can log in to your account to see your energy use over the past 13 months. This helps you spot patterns, plan your budget, and manage energy use.
We buy most of our winter gas in summer when prices are lower. Then, we store it so customers avoid higher winter costs. We pass the savings right along to customers with no profit added.
Helping You Manage Costs
If you’re looking to keep your business’ energy costs on track, our programs can help you understand your energy use and show you how to save energy and money.
Explore your energy dashboard to discover steps you can take to save energy and money.
Access Your Dashboard Access Your Dashboard
Achieve more for your business – more efficiency, savings and sustainability.
Explore Solutions Explore SolutionsNo one wants higher bills. By securing the system, we keep natural gas safe, reliable, and affordable for Michigan families and businesses now and in the future.
Securing the grid to support Michigan now and in the future.
2026 U-21870 Rate Case Request
We're securing Michigan's grid to prepare for the future. On June 2, 2025, we filed a rate case request to adjust electric rates to make this happen. On Mar. 27, 2026, the MPSC approved our 2026 Reliability Action Plan. This plan provides funding to secure Michigan's electric grid.
We understand that rate and bill changes affect every business differently, and you deserve clear, simple information about what they mean for you. Beginning in May 2026, businesses will see an estimated monthly increase of $21.92 (5.1%). Your exact bill impact will depend on how much electricity you use.
Filing Documentation for Case U-21870
We’re sharing the case documents here so you can easily follow along and stay informed. We also welcome you to share your feedback about this request.
Why We’re Making This Request
We deliver power to nearly two million homes and businesses across Michigan. This responsibility requires ongoing work to build and maintain a strong, reliable infrastructure. We know how important dependable energy is to your business, which is why 75 cents of every customer dollar goes to securing our electric grid. To prepare for the future we’re:
Working to keep bills low while securing the grid
Electric bills are 12% below the national average and we’re focused on keeping them low while we make upgrades to keep our system secure.
Reducing the number and frequency of outages
We’re working toward two long-term goals: restoring power to customers in 24 hours and ensuring no storm will cause more than 100,000 customers to lose power.
Burying power lines underground
Burying lines improves reliability by 90% or more. We plan to bury 50 miles of lines next year.
These upgrades ensure that power outages are shorter and less common, even in the face of more severe, catastrophic storms. We’re committed to securing the grid and delivering electric service at rates better than the average among our industry peers.
Your electric bill has three main parts:
You can log in to your account to see your energy use over the past 13 months. This helps you spot patterns, plan your budget, and manage energy use.
Helping Your Manage Costs
If you’re looking to keep your business’ energy costs on track, our programs can help you understand your energy use and show you how to save energy and money.
Explore your energy dashboard to discover steps you can take to save energy and money.
Access Your Dashboard Access Your Dashboard
Achieve more for your business – more efficiency, savings and sustainability.
Explore Solutions Explore SolutionsNo one wants higher bills. By securing the system, we keep natural gas safe, reliable, and affordable for Michigan families and businesses now and in the future.
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