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.
- 30 -
Printer Friendly
Text Version
Twitter
Facebook
Yahoo
Google
Digg
Newsvine
StumbleUpon
Bookmark
Email Page
Stay Connected
Get Lottery Drawing Information!
Get the Latest News!