Consumers Energy

Judge upholds $383M verdict against Toshiba over faulty hydro plant overhaul

Co-owner of Ludington plant and plaintiff

A federal judge upheld a $383 million jury verdict against Toshiba America Energy Systems over a failed overhaul of the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. The Michigan hydro station, co-owned by Consumers Energy and DTE Electric, supplies 10% of each utility's generating capacity.

Updated Oct 26

Michigan approves 4.3% natural gas rate hike for Consumers Energy

Rule Changes

Rate payer for natural gas in Michigan

Michigan regulators approved a 4.3% natural gas rate increase for Consumers Energy customers on October 15. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) cut the utility's request by 42%, after Attorney General Dana Nessel had urged a 61% reduction.

Updated Oct 18

Court voids DOE order keeping Michigan coal plant open

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Plant owner that planned and sought the retirement

A federal appeals court canceled the Department of Energy's order forcing an aging Michigan coal plant to keep running. The unanimous decision said the agency used an emergency power meant for short-term crises to override a retirement plan approved by the plant's owner, Michigan regulators, and the regional grid operator.

Updated Sep 14

Severe storms knock out power for hundreds of thousands in Detroit

Built World

As of September 2026: Restoring power to ~5,700 customers as of Friday afternoon

A line of severe storms swept through Southeast Michigan on Sept. 3-4, knocking out power to more than 350,000 utility customers and dropping an EF-2 tornado on Detroit's east side. The tornado was the first to touch down inside Detroit city limits in nearly 30 years.

Updated Sep 6