Overview:
- Michigan's residential electricity rates have more than doubled over 20 years.
- Flu activity in the state has reached the CDC's highest risk level.
- Michigan utilities must notify customers about potential bill increases when seeking rate hikes, starting March 1.
💳 DTE joins Consumers Energy in charging credit card processing fees DTE Energy will begin charging customers a $2.99 fee per credit or debit card transaction starting March 2, with business customers paying $9.99. The Detroit utility says the fee recoups third-party payment processor costs and goes directly to processors, not DTE. The change coincides with DTE seeking electricity and natural gas rate increases. Consumers Energy enacted similar fees two years ago. Customers can avoid fees through bank account payments, checks, or cash at kiosks. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press
💡 Michigan electricity rates more than double in 20 years Michigan’s residential electricity rates have more than doubled over 20 years, outpacing inflation and increasing faster than 46 other states, according to a Detroit News analysis. Rates jumped approximately 117% statewide since 2006. Experts cite Michigan’s stagnant population growth, infrastructure investments, and annual rate case filings as key factors. The issue has emerged as a major 2026 gubernatorial campaign topic, with most candidates calling rates unacceptable. Some Democratic candidates pledge temporary rate freezes if elected. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🦠 Flu cases skyrocket in Michigan, reaching CDC’s worst national tier Michigan’s flu activity has reached the CDC’s highest-risk level. The flu season has caused at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths nationwide, including nine children. Health officials attribute the severe season partly to H3N2 subclade K, or “super flu.” People are contagious one day before symptoms through five to seven days after. Last year, 10 Michigan children died. Experts recommend flu vaccines, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick. 📌 Source: WKFR-FM
🧾 New rules require DTE, Consumers to detail bill increases on statements Michigan utilities must notify customers about potential bill increases when seeking rate hikes, starting March 1, 2026, under new Michigan Public Service Commission requirements approved Dec. 18. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy must display information on websites, mobile apps, and monthly bills showing dollar amounts and percentages for average residential and commercial customers. The changes increase transparency as both utilities pursue a combined $1 billion in electric rate hikes. Both companies initially opposed expanded notice requirements. 📌 Source: MLive
🚢 Nessel challenges EPA ballast water rules, says Great Lakes face invasive species threat Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel asked a federal appeals court to overturn EPA ballast water discharge standards, arguing they weaken protections against invasive species in the Great Lakes. Nessel, joined by Illinois and Vermont attorneys general, said the rules violate the 2018 Vessel Incidental Discharge Act and threaten ecosystems and fishing industries. Zebra mussels, which arrived via ballast water in the 1980s, already cost the region $200 million annually. Michigan’s stricter state standards remained until the EPA’s September 2024 rules. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🧊 No such thing as safe ice walking on Lake Michigan, say Chicago fire officials Safety officials warn against walking on shelf ice forming along Lake Michigan as temperatures rise. Shelf ice appears solid but isn’t connected to land and can crack or break without warning. Chicago Fire Department Dive Chief Jason Lach said there’s no safe ice walking, especially near the lake. Videos show people, including children, dangerously walking on unstable ice. Experts urge staying off ice entirely and calling 911 if someone falls through rather than attempting rescue. 📌 Source: CBS News