We recently announced that our electric company intends to put a freeze on asking for rate increases for at least two years following our current filing with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) which was submitted on April 28, 2028. Why? Because we expect affordability benefits from data centers to help offset reliability investments for our customers.
“Now more than ever, we know affordability matters to our customers – and we’re doing everything we can to keep energy bills as low as possible while also providing the reliable power they need,” said Joi Harris, president and chief executive officer, DTE Energy. “As long as the first data center project we’re supporting comes online as planned by the end of 2027 and we’re able to receive other regulatory approvals, we will refrain from filing another rate request until at least 2028—providing our customers two years without an increase in rates after the current request is complete.”
Affordability benefits of data center development
We’ve been sharing about our role in providing energy to data centers – DTE has an obligation to serve any customer that comes into our service territory. The benefit of data center growth is that when a new large customer is brought onto the electric system, fixed costs can be spread more widely. Our two data center contracts – one approved and one currently with the MPSC for approval – will contribute nearly $9 billion to improving our electric system through 2045, helping to reduce the total amount needed from all other customers.
“That’s why we’re excited to see the expected benefits of responsible data center development come to fruition,” said Harris. “This new industry is not only helping to grow Michigan’s economy, but once the data centers are fully online, it will make energy more affordable for all of customers while bolstering our investments in creating the grid of the future.”
The current DTE Electric investment request
Our electric company’s current investment request is designed to build on recent reliability gains and to continue strengthening the electric grid for you and the communities we serve in southeast Michigan. The request reflects our ongoing commitment to targeted investments that reduce outages, restore power faster when interruptions do occur and ensure reliable and cleaner energy for all our customers, every day.
In 2025, our electric customers experienced the best reliability performance we’ve delivered in nearly 20 years — progress driven by our sustained investments in tree trimming, grid hardening, automation and other system improvements.
“Reliable power isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about supporting families, businesses and the broader Michigan economy,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric. “While we’re proud of our progress, we know we have more work ahead. Every investment we make moves us closer to our goal: a stronger, more reliable grid for every DTE customer, no matter the weather.”
As our company continues investing in reliability and cleaner energy, we’re also focused on limiting the long-term impact on your bills and reducing the need for future rate requests. We’re continuing to drive efficiency in our operations and we expect growing data center development to create meaningful customer affordability benefits over time.
For more information about our role in responsible data center development, visit dteenergy.com/datacenterfacts.