Michigan Families Dread Opening Their Utility Bills as Temperatures Turn Colder

As nighttime temperatures drop, Michigan residents are starting to turn on their heat. But this will mean higher monthly energy bills, with households nationwide predicted to spend $1,030 on average on heat this winter, up nearly 9% from last year. Families in Michigan using natural gas, electricity, and propane are all expected to pay more due to the Iran war and rising utility rates.  

“Every October I start dreading opening our utility bills," said Kim, who lives in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District. “Last winter we kept our heat as low as we could and our bills were still through the roof, and nothing tells me this winter will be any easier. Our family needs heat, gas for the car, and groceries, just like everyone else. We're always trying to figure out where to cut back, but every year it gets harder to make ends meet.”

The war in Iran has disrupted global oil and gas markets, causing energy prices to skyrocket. At the same time, the Republican Tax Law eliminated clean energy tax credits that were helping more than 117,000 Michigan households lower their utility bills. Michigan Reps. Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and John James (MI-10) voted for the law and all initially supported the war. The rising costs won't let up anytime soon: a recent study found that the Republican Tax Law and other federal energy policy changes will cost Michigan households an average of $700 more for energy in 2035 and $790 in 2040. Michigan families are headed into another expensive winter, with little relief on the horizon.