As Heat Wave Hits Michigan, Barrett, James, and Huizenga's Vote Leaves Families Paying More to Stay Cool
As a brutal heat wave settles over Lower Michigan this week, families across the state are cranking up their air conditioning and, in turn, bracing for the utility bills that follow. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for much of Lower Michigan, with heat index values projected to surpass 105 degrees. Since June 1, customers of Michigan’s two largest utilities, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, have already been facing higher electricity rates during peak use periods, and the high temperatures only threaten to make things worse.
As Michigan families cope with rising utility bills, Congressmen John James (MI-10), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and Bill Huizenga (MI-04) have done nothing to ease the pain. All three voted for the Republican Tax Law almost exactly a year ago, which rolled back clean energy tax credits designed to lower electricity costs.
One analysis found that reversing these energy tax credits would raise energy bills for Michigan households by $160 per year by 2030 and $320 per year by 2035. The Republican Tax Law law also eliminated incentives that helped families make energy-efficient home improvements, leading Michiganders to pay thousands more to make these upgrades in their homes.
"I'm on a fixed income, and with the extreme temperatures this summer I have to worry about keeping my home cool and having enough to keep up with my other bills," said Sheila, a retiree living in Michigan's 7th District who depends on Social Security. "When Congressman Barrett voted to take away the tax credits that brought utility bills down, he made things even harder for his constituents struggling with high energy costs.”
As Michigan families brace for the intense heat wave and rising utility costs, they deserve leaders who will fight to make energy more affordable instead of backing policies that further strain household budgets. Michigan Families for Fair Care is calling on Representatives Barrett, James, and Huizenga to restore the clean energy tax credits and help lower electricity bills for their constituents in Michigan’s 7th, 10th, and 4th Districts.
