LANSING – The Michigan Public Service Commission today approved a natural gas rate increase for Consumers Energy Co. aimed at boosting the safety and reliability of its gas pipeline system by replacing gas lines most at risk of leaks and service interruptions for customers.

The Commission authorized Consumers to raise rates by $157,495,000, a more than 36% decrease from the $248 million the company initially requested but later lowered to $217 million ( Case No. U-21806 ). The Commission approved a rate of return on common equity of 9.8% and an overall rate of return of 5.99%.

The new rates go into effect Nov. 1. A typical residential customer using 75 ccf (hundred cubic feet) will see an increase of $6.44, or 8.1%, on their monthly bill.

Among the items prioritized for investment, th

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