YOUR ENERGY BILL
Michigan’s residential electricity rate is 17% higher than the national average, and it’s getting worse.1
Families in Macomb and Oakland Counties are opening their utility bills and seeing higher numbers every month. DTE and Consumers Energy customers have seen rates climb steadily, and over the last five years alone, state regulators have approved more than $1 billion in rate increases for the two biggest utilities.2 That was already happening before this year. Then Congress made it worse.
In January 2025, Rep. John James said publicly that Congress “must not neglect the sector-wide energy tax provisions that manufacturers and job creators rely on in my district.” Four months later, he cast the deciding vote to eliminate them.
The bill he voted for, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” repealed the clean energy tax credits that were bringing down costs and creating jobs right here in Michigan. It handed that money to the wealthiest Americans as a tax cut instead.
Our bills went up. Their taxes went down.
Your electric bill shouldn’t go up just because a massive corporation needs cheap power. But that’s what’s happening. Big companies get deals, and you pay more. Your family’s bill should come first, not some Fortune 500 company’s bottom line. You’re already stretched thin. You shouldn’t be subsidizing the biggest power users in the country just to keep your lights on.
MORE PER YEAR
That is how much more the average Michigan household pays for electricity in 2025 than in 2006, a 130% rate increase driven by DTE and Consumers
By the Numbers:
What Rep. James’s Vote Means for You
In January 2025, Rep. John James said Congress must protect the energy tax credits that manufacturers and workers in his district depend on. In May 2025, he cast the deciding vote to eliminate them (the margin was 215 to 214).1 Here’s what that vote cost Michigan.
Three Ways This is Affecting Our Community:
25,357
JOBS AT RISK
Michigan had 25,357 good-paying clean energy jobs tied to $39.85 billion in investment. Rep. James’s deciding vote put every one of them at risk.2
$850 MORE PER YEAR 3.5% HIGHER ENERGY COSTS
The average Michigan household pays $850 more annually for electricity than in 2006. The bill Rep. James voted for repealed the clean energy investments that were working to bring those costs down.3
Michigan families are projected to pay 3.5% more for energy in 2026 as a direct result of the bill Rep. James voted for.4
Sources: 1. Climate Power, 5/22/2025; Airtable: Energy Crisis Report, accessed 4/23/2026; congress.gov, 1/22/2025; james.house.gov; 5/22/2025; congress.gov, H.R.1, House Roll Call Vote 145, 5/22/2025. 2. Climate Power, 4/30/2025. 3. The Detroit News, 1/5/2026; Electric Choice, accessed 4/23/2026; james.house.gov, 5/22/2025. 4. Climate Power, 5/22/2025.
What Rep. James Said vs.
What Rep. James Did
In January 2025, Rep. John James said that Congress “must not neglect the sector-wide energy tax provisions that manufacturers and job creators rely on in my district and around the country.”
Four months later, he cast the deciding vote (215 to 214) to eliminate those same tax provisions. The bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025.
Since President Trump took office, Michigan has already seen $14.2 billion in clean energy investment threatened or canceled and 2,667 jobs lost.
[Climate Power, 5/22/2025; Michigan Advance, 3/7/2025; congress.gov, 1/22/2025; congress.gov, H.R.1, House Roll Call Vote 145, 5/22/2025; james.house.gov, 5/22/2025]
Voices From Our Community
“I’d been at GM for almost 20 years. Thought that came with some stability. Now I’m just trying to support my family and figure out what comes next.”
—Steve, 49, former General Motors assembly line worker Detroit
“Every month, the bill gets higher. I’m trying to cut back but, where? Groceries? Medication? It just shouldn’t be this hard.”
—Renee, 62, home health aide Traverse City
Programs and tools to help you pay less right now
Rising energy costs are real, and there are programs that can help families in Macomb and Oakland Counties get relief while we fight for the long-term fix.
Get Help Paying Your Energy Bill
State Emergency Relief Program (SER)
SER helps with energy-related expenses, including some home repairs.
How to apply: Visit michigan.gov/mibridges
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
MEAP provides direct financial help to eligible households to pay energy bills and stay current on payments.
How to apply: Reach out to 2-1-1 to connect with a MEAP provider
Residential Income Assistance Credit
Provides a bill credit for qualifying customers to help lower their energy bill.
How to apply: Contact your utility provider for more information
Shutoff Protections
If you’re at risk of shutoff, Michigan law provides protections. Contact your utility provider or the Michigan Public Service Commission for more information.
Utility Contact Information
You may also reach your utility provider through the contact information provided on your bill.
DTE Energy Co.
800-477-4747
www.dteenergy.com
Save On Gas
Consumers Energy Co.
800-477-5050 www.consumersenergy.com
• Use gas price apps to see real-time prices at nearby stations
• Search “gas” on Google Maps to see prices listed directly on the map
• Look for membership stations like Costco or Sam’s Club
• Avoid highway gas stations—they are usually more expensive
ABOUT TOGETHER AMERICA
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www.togetheramerica.com