Consumers Energy requests gas rate hike of $248 million

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(FOX 2) - Consumers Energy has filed a new request to increase rates for its gas customers, asking the Michigan Public Service Commission for a $248 million hike.

If approved, the 10.8% increase would go into effect in late 2025.

The request comes months after the commission green lit a $35 million increase in July, which went into effet in Oct. 1 this year.

The new rate hike is needed for upgrades to its natural gas infrastructure, the utility said in a summary filing submitted last week.

The rate request "critical capital" improvements that will "provide customers safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean natural gas service."

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Among the components that need funding is its infrastructure programs for replacing old equipment, rehabilitating gas wells, maintaining its storage fields, as well as regulatory compliance.

Those upgrades make up the biggest portion of the request: $132 million.