The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in Detroit Wednesday night to hear public comments on DTE Energy’s pending application to raise its rates. 

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The utility is requesting to increase electric rates by $456 million to improve the infrastructure and service for customers — less than a year after the commission voted unanimously to approve a $368 million rate increase for DTE.

The event on Wednesday will give residents a chance to weigh-in on DTE’s request, which was made in March. If approved, residents could see an average increase on their bills of about $11 per month.

Many customers have complained in recent months about frequent, long-lasting power outages. However, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has said the proposed rate hike is “excessive and unnecessary.”

The MPSC hearing will take place from 6-8 p.m. at Mumford High School, 17525 Wyoming St., Detroit. 

Other headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024:

• The United Auto Workers union says it’s prepared to take action against Stellantis in the coming days.
• The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is inviting Vietnam-era veterans to a ceremony at the Soul Harvest Cathedral in Highland Park on Thursday to recognize them with a special lapel pin.
• Eastern Market has launched a $15 million fundraising campaign to improve its facilities and offer more services.
• The Detroit Tigers are working hard to make the Major League Baseball playoffs.  The team is on a three-game winning streak and has won 8 of its last 10 games.  They play the Royals tonight in Kansas City.   

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Some Detroiters are without power and others still cleaning up after severe thunderstorms hit the region both on Tuesday and Wednesday night. 

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The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of more than 75 miles per hour at Detroit Metro Airport Wednesday night, with high winds bringing down tree branches and causing power outages around the region. 

DTE Energy reported more than 200,000 power outages Wednesday morning. Weather on Thursday is expected to be mostly dry and humid, with a high of 81 degrees. Thunderstorms are likely to return on Friday with heat indices ranging
from the upper 80s to mid 90s.

Other headlines for Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024:

• Outages on the Dearborn-Allen Park border caused problems for motorists trying to get to Detroit Metro Airport Wednesday morning.
• Detroit has set up cooling centers to keep residents safe during the high temperatures that blanketed Detroit this week.
• Former Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins is considering a run for Detroit mayor.
• Wayne State University is holding a special grand opening reception on Thursday for its newest music venue, the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center.
• The Detroit Lions have made a number of roster changes to get ready for the NFL regular season.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.