Bay City Michigan to See Electric Rate Hikes in April

Bay City, Michigan filed a request for rate increases with the Bay City Commission earlier this year, and the results are in. On February 18, the commission approved the rate increases which would increase the average resident's electric bill by 4.5% in both 2013 and 2014.

Beginning in April, Bay City's 20,200 residential customers will see an average increase of $2.95 per month on their bill. Next, year, residents will see an average increase of $3.25 per month. As stated by Bay City, the increased funding would allow the municipality to offset costs associated with environmental standards as well as the rising cost of power.

Unlike many other utilities in the area, Bay City hasn't increased residential rates since 2009, purposely attempting to provide some relief to recession-stricken citizens. If the hike is approved, residents will still be paying about 22% less than Michigan's largest utility, Consumers Energy.

Learn more about electric choice in Michigan.