The dispute concerns a proposed increase
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced October 6, 2026 that she filed testimony opposing much of Consumers Energy's requested electric-rate increase. The utility seeks approximately $456 million in annual additional revenue and a 9.8% residential-rate increase, according to the state release.
The attorney general and Citizens Utility Board argue for cutting that request by 53% and limiting the proposed return on equity from 10.25% to 9.20%. Cutting a requested increase is not the same as reducing existing household bills by 53%, and testimony is not a commission order.
Two percentages use different bases
The release says Consumers Energy serves about 1.9 million electric customers and notes an earlier $276 million rate increase approved in March 2026. The new dispute is a different request, not an announced reversal of that prior approval.
Customers budgeting for utilities should distinguish the requested amount, the attorney general's position and the final Michigan Public Service Commission decision. The state release also lists separate gas cases. No refund, approved new bill amount or per-household saving is established by this testimony.