(COLDWATER) - Consumers Energy customers in Branch County and across Michigan will soon see higher electric bills after state regulators approved a $226 million rate increase.
The new rates take effect May 1.
For a typical household using 500 kilowatt-hours per month, the increase will add about $6.46 to the monthly bill.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved the increase after Consumers originally requested $326 million.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the decision and renewed calls for changes to the state's utility rate-setting system, arguing customers are caught in a cycle of repeated increases.
The higher charges are expected to begin appearing on May billing statements.