Article Summary –
Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga has received over $167,000 from utility company PACs, such as DTE and Consumers Energy, which are responsible for significant rate hikes affecting millions of Michiganders. While DTE and Consumers Energy have been approved for substantial rate increases, Huizenga has also supported federal legislation, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and an appropriations bill, both of which are anticipated to further raise utility costs and reduce support for low-income households. These financial burdens are compounded by other economic pressures, such as increased retail prices due to tariff policies and elevated gas prices resulting from geopolitical tensions.
Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga accepted over $167,000 from utility companies now increasing rates for Michigan residents.
Donations came from corporate PACs linked to DTE, serving gas and electricity to 1.3 million Michiganders, and Consumers Energy, which powers 6.7 million residents.
On Feb. 19, DTE was authorized to gather an extra $242 million through a rate hike, adding 4.6% to average monthly utility bills. They soon applied for another increase set for 2027.
“DTE is earning high profits while asking Michigan families to cover excessive, unjust costs,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is urging DTE to reduce its latest request by 85%.
Last year, Consumers Energy raised rates to collect $153.8 million. It sought a 13.3% rate increase in June 2025, blocked by Nessel, and a third hike of 8.2% in December 2025.
During this time, Huizenga voted for federal legislation likely to increase rates, benefiting utility companies.
Huizenga backed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, reducing clean energy investments and enabling new AI data centers, which may raise Michigan utility bills by $320 annually.
In September 2025, he supported an appropriations bill cutting a Department of Energy program aiding low-income households in improving energy efficiency.
Soaring utility costs strain working families already facing high prices. Trump’s tariffs raised retail prices 7% last year, and the war in Iran elevated gas prices over $4 per gallon.
Huizenga is seeking a ninth term, with his Democratic opponent determined in an Aug. 4 primary.
The post Bill Huizenga took utility donations as rates rose across Michigan appeared first on American Journal News.
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