Overview:
- Former DTE Energy CEO Gerry Anderson is leading policy development for independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan's campaign, drawing criticism amid concerns about rising electricity rates and utility political influence.
- Freezing temperatures caused multiple water main breaks across Metro Detroit communities this week.
- Donald Trump failed to meet his election promise to slash Americans' energy bills in half within his first year.
🥶 Michigan braces for coldest stretch of winter with life-threatening wind chills Dangerously low temperatures with biting winds will grip Michigan from Thursday night through the weekend in the coldest stretch of winter. Lower Peninsula wind chills could plunge to minus 15 to minus 20 degrees Friday through Saturday. Upper Peninsula wind chills may reach minus 25 to minus 45 degrees. Lake-effect snow will reduce visibility. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan State Police urge residents to prepare and limit outdoor time. Source: WWMT-TV
💡Former DTE Energy CEO’s advisory role in Duggan campaign draws criticism Former DTE Energy CEO Gerry Anderson is leading policy development for independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan’s campaign, drawing criticism amid concerns about rising electricity rates and utility political influence. Anderson retired from DTE in 2022 after nearly 30 years. Critics note DTE’s significant political donations and use of nonprofit organizations for campaign funding. Republican opponent Tom Leonard argues energy policy should prioritize ratepayers over maintaining the status quo. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🚧 Cold snap causes water main breaks in Eastpointe, Grosse Pointe Park, Mount Clemens Freezing temperatures caused multiple water main breaks across Metro Detroit communities this week. In Grosse Pointe Park, a Bedford Street break shattered a sewer line, flooding Matt Cline’s basement with 26 inches of water — his second flood in five years. Eastpointe reported three breaks Tuesday on Beechwood, Manchester, and Empire Avenues. Mount Clemens had two Monday breaks. Officials attribute breaks to ground shifting from freezing and thawing, anticipating more as extreme cold continues. 📌 Source: WDIV
🖊️ Over 1,500 sign petition protesting DTE’s automatic payment fee DTE Energy is unenrolling customers from automatic credit/debit card payments Feb. 27, requiring a $2.99 monthly fee to re-enroll. Over 1,500 people signed a change.org petition opposing the charge. DTE says the fee goes directly to payment processors and matches Consumers Energy’s rates. Critics, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and environmental groups, view it as another cost passed to ratepayers while DTE seeks significant rate increases. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press
💸 US electricity bills jump 6.7% despite Trump’s promise to slash costs Donald Trump failed to meet his election promise to slash Americans’ energy bills in half within his first year. Instead, average household electricity bills rose 6.7% in 2025, costing families nearly $116 more than 2024. Washington DC saw a 23% increase, Indiana 17%, and Illinois 15%. Gas bills jumped 5.2%. Trump’s policies promoting oil drilling while blocking renewable energy projects contributed to rising costs as electricity demand from AI growth outpaced supply. 📌 Source: The Guardian
🦠 Raw milk debate pits small farmers against public health concerns in Michigan Michigan small farmers are pushing legislation to allow direct raw milk sales to consumers, citing overregulation and financial burdens. The bill, introduced by Rep. Matt Maddock, would permit sales with safety requirements including temperature controls, bacterial limits, and warning labels. Opponents, including Michigan Farm Bureau and Dairy Farmers of America, cite public health risks. CDC data shows 202 raw milk outbreaks caused 2,645 illnesses from 1998-2018. Currently, Michigan only permits herdsharing arrangements. 📌 Source: MLive