No energy price hike
The proposed utility price hike will finance worthwhile projects.
Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy, the two energy providers who are proposing an 11 percent rate hike on monthly electric charges, service a considerable number of students and Mount Pleasant residents.
However, in the current economic climate, people have enough trouble making ends meet - and the last thing they need is an increased electric bill.
A spokesman from Consumers Energy indicated that the additional revenue would upgrade power lines and equipment, reduce emissions and install software for improved billing and customer service.
These are all worthwhile projects, but at this moment, they do not seem necessary. Given the financial troubles of the citizens of Michigan, the need to keep down prices should override the desire to finance these projects.
Michigan's citizens need affordable energy - and affordability is subject to economic constraints.
If Consumers Energy and DTE still wish to propose the rate increase, they should make clearer why these projects are needed rather than simply desirable.
If, say, upgrades to power lines and equipment would prevent substantial, costly deterioration, then this would better justify the price hike.
However, if the projects will not save money in the long term or are not otherwise necessary, then Consumers Energy and DTE should at least postpone them until brighter economic times.
The projects certainly would improve the quality of the companies' service. But right now, Michigan's citizens need service that is both good and affordable; the increase in quality is not worth the increase in price.
The Michigan Public Service Commission should stress this point. And the power companies should oblige.
