Consumers Energy

Ann Arbor Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined the progressive think tank The Center for American Progress (CAP) on Wednesday to blame the Trump Administration for higher Michigan energy prices. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

As we continue the process of mapping out our energy future, there are a number of issues to address, from energy generation and storage to how our electric grids are developed, secured and controlled. State Senator Jeff Irwin is a proponent of virtual power plants as a part of the comprehensive solution. It would divert control of the grids away from the major, centralized utilities. The 15th District Democrat believes virtual power plants can give power to communities in determining their energy futures while saving ratepayers money. Learn more in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

The federal administration is cutting environmental programs and funding and further reducing regulations on polluting. The political environment in Washington, in and of itself, is toxic. On the February edition of WEMU’s "1st Friday Focus on the Environment," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak were joined by Democratic Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin to discuss policy and politics.

The Trump Administration is ordering a coal-fired power plant in west Michigan to remain open another three months—just as a previous order was expiring. Colin Jackson has more.

A new statewide ballot initiative would ban Michigan’s public utilities and large government contractors from political giving. Colin Jackson has more.

A ballot campaign planning to launch soon would ask voters to ban political donations from committees affiliated with utility monopolies and from with public contractors. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Public utilities would be banned from donating to political causes under new bills in the Michigan House of Representatives. Colin Jackson has more.

The Michigan Attorney General’s office has launched a website to help people track power outages and whether they are due a credit or a refund for lost service. Rick Pluta reports.

Several Washtenaw County residents spoke out against unreliable utility services. It took place at a recent town hall at Washtenaw Community College hosted by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.

DTE and Consumers Energy have increased energy rates for the summer. This year, DTE joined Consumers in implementing a “time of day” rate structure for its customers. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.