Pontiac Times

State Representative Donni Steele, a Republican from Orion Township, has expressed concern over the recent decision by the Michigan Public Service Commission to allow DTE Energy to raise customer rates by $368 million, resulting in a 6.4% increase. Steele believes that this rate hike will have a detrimental impact on vulnerable families, diverting funds that could have been used for holiday celebrations.

In a statement, Rep. Steele criticized the governor's green energy plan, stating, "The truth has been revealed about the Grinch's new green energy plan. The governor's radical policies are shifting the burden of implementing unreliable green energy onto the consumers. This rate hike will place even greater financial strain on families, preventing them from enjoying family dinners and purchasing gifts for their children."

DTE Energy has justified the rate increase by stating that it is necessary to comply with the state's existing clean energy goals. However, Steele argues that the new clean energy mandates proposed by Democrats go far beyond the current requirements. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed bills that aim to achieve "100% clean energy by 2040," effectively phasing out natural gas power plants and relying more on wind and solar power sources. The repeal of the rate cap will allow utilities to pass on the entire cost of implementing green energy to consumers.

Steele warns that struggling families are already making sacrifices by setting their thermostats to lower temperatures to compensate for rising energy costs. She believes that policies such as increased energy rates will only further compel families and businesses to leave the state.

The decision to raise customer rates by DTE Energy and the governor's clean energy mandates have sparked a debate over the impact on Michigan residents. While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources, critics like Rep. Steele are concerned about the financial burden placed on families.

As the holiday season approaches, the focus on rising energy costs and the impact of green energy policies on vulnerable families continues to be a contentious issue in Michigan.

Click this link to access more information: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-steele-the-green-energy-grinch-is-stealing-the-warmth-of-christmas