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Higher rates for UPPCO and UMERC customers now in effect

UNDATED— Customers of Upper Peninsula Power Company and Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation will see higher utility bills starting this month.

In October, the Michigan Public Service Commission gave approval for UMERC to raise rates by $6.6 million. A typical residential customer using 500 kilowatt-hours a month will see an increase of $10.51, or 15.4 percent, in their monthly bill starting January 1, 2025.

The hike was requested in order to fund infrastructure investments in new generation and maintain safety and reliability.

In September, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement permitting UPPCO to raise rates by $9 million. A typical residential customer will see an increase of $7.52, or 5.7 percent, on their monthly bill, effective January 1.

UPPCO also will donate $200,000 to organizations benefitting low-income customers within its service territory. The utility will confer with MPSC Staff and Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office to identify appropriate organizations to receive this donation and the parameters of the donation.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.