February 1,  2010

            LANSING -  Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that he is intervening in an electric rate increase case before of the Michigan Public Service Commission, opposing a $42.1 million rate hike sought by Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO) and is proposing to reduce WEPCO's requested increase by at least $18.8 million.

 "Working families and job makers across Michigan simply cannot afford this kind of rate increase," said Cox. "Any rate increase must be looked at carefully, and I will continue to fight to lower rates for Michigan families."

Last July, WEPCO asked the Michigan Public Service Commission to increase the electric rates it charges Michigan customers by a total of $42.1 million, a 33.3% electric rate increase that includes a residential rate increase of 40.5%.

If approved, the rate hike would affect the consumers in Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula, including Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Marquette, Menominee and Ontonagon counties.

            Hearings will be conducted by the Public Service Commission this week. Attorney General Cox recently filed testimony opposing the rate increase and will be presenting witnesses during this week's hearings. An administrative law judge will later issue a recommended decision, with the Commission issuing a final order by July 1, 2010.

            Attorney General Mike Cox vigorously exercises his oversight role regarding utility rate hikes on behalf of Michigan consumers. Under Cox, annual savings for utility customers have increased by nearly 700% over the previous Attorney General.

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