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Michigan Regulators OK Detroit Edison Surcharges

The Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan regulators have approved a plan to add fees to Detroit Edison Co.'s monthly energy bills so the utility can meet new renewable power and energy-efficiency requirements.

Starting Sept. 1, residential electric customers will pay $3 a month for a renewable energy program. And beginning this week or later, Detroit Edison's customers will pay no more than 64 cents per month for a program designed to reduce electricity usage.

The surcharges approved Tuesday are allowed under a 2008 state law enacted by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature. Backers say the fees will be offset because fewer coal-fired plants will be built and customers can take advantage of appliance rebates, home energy audits and energy-efficient light bulbs.

Detroit Edison is a subsidiary of DTE Energy Co.