Reps. John James and Tom Barrett Leave Families to Fend for Themselves as Utility Bills Soar on Top of Rising Inflation

As utility companies across Michigan impose steep rate increases on struggling families, Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett have left their constituents to absorb these costs alone. Families are now paying significantly more for electricity, water, and natural gas on top of an additional $1600 in inflation costs per household.  

Consumers Energy customers are facing an 8.1% natural gas rate hike that began in November, with another 8% increase already requested for late 2026. In Lansing, the Board of Water and Light approved rate increases, with electricity costs rising nearly 7% and water rates up over 9%. 

"I'm living in Warren on a fixed income. My monthly income doesn't change, but everything else does, my utility bill went up, gas is up, groceries cost more, and now I'm paying almost $2000 more this year just to afford what I had before.” said MI-10 constituent Rebecca Zainos. “I worked my entire life and saved what I could, but I never imagined I'd be at this point in my life worrying about whether I can afford to keep my heat on this winter. Congressman James voted to raise utility costs to give tax breaks to billionaires, and now we're the ones left struggling to survive."

"You can see it on people’s faces. The cost, the concern and anxiety of it all is weighing on people. People are paying thousands more just to stay above water, and try to maintain the quality of life you have, but now the water keeps rising and it won’t let up.” said Steve Lawson, Executive Director for Michigan Families for Fair Care. “Our Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett have yet to realize that not everyone can afford thousands of dollars more as the cost of living. They had the power to help their constituents, but instead they voted to raise utility costs to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, and now we’re all left to deal with the aftermath."

With families facing utility bills, Rep. James and Barrett continue to offer no relief to working families in Michigan's 7th and 10th Congressional Districts. Instead, they defend policies that benefit the wealthiest Americans while Michigan families struggle to keep the lights on.