Utility Companies Backing James, Huizenga, and Barrett Are Increasing Prices While Letting Customers Go Without Power

As customers of Consumers Energy and DTE Energy are still without power days after severe storms hit Michigan, Congressmen John James (MI-10), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), and Tom Barrett (MI-07) are all coming under fire for taking money from the utilities industry. The July 3 storm knocked power out for over 300,000 customers of utility companies DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. 

In his past eight races, Rep. Huizenga has taken more than $244,000 from utility companies. Congressman Barrett has received $13,000 during his 2026 campaign alone, after taking $4,151 in 2024. And, Rep. James has accepted $144,612 from the utilities industry over the course of his political career, including $48,529 alone from DTE and CMS Energy, the parent company of Consumers. 

Customers of DTE and Consumers may face higher rates in the near future, as both companies are asking the state to approve rate hikes that would raise ratepayers’ bills by 9 to 10%. This is on top of already higher rates that went into effect during peak periods over the summer for customers of the state’s two largest utility companies. 

"After so many people in my community went without power for days, I was horrified to hear that now DTE wants to charge us even more,” said Alex, a resident and small-business owner in Michigan’s 10th District. “Instead of fighting back to hold DTE and other utility companies accountable, my representative, John James, has taken tens of thousands from DTE and Consumers. I wish he would stop taking utility money and instead work on lowering prices for families like mine.”

Michiganders deserve representatives who will fight for lower energy costs for working families and hold utility companies accountable. Michigan Families for Fair Care is calling on Representatives James, Huizenga and Barrett to reject utility money and oppose the proposed utility rate hikes.