Consumers Energy customers will see slightly lower electricity bills starting next month. That's because on Thursday the state Public Service Commission approved the utility's plan to drop a renewable energy surcharge. The Gongwer News Service reports that the PSC approved the change because of the falling cost of wind power. Elimination of the surcharge was included in Consumers new renewable energy plan.
The PSC also approved a request by Midwest Energy Cooperative the utility says will help expand high-speed Internet services in rural areas. The decision waives some "rules of conduct" but the Commission says Midwest Energy still must insure that its electricity and Internet divisions don't subsidize each other.