Mike Cox (R)
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) - Barring appeals, Attorney General Mike Cox has said customers of Consumers Energy across the state can expect $106 million in refunds following revelations about surcharges billed to consumers from 2001 through 2003.
"This is a win for Michigan families and businesses," Cox said. "Energy bills often spike during the winter months. The Judge's ruling will provide relief when customers can use it most."
The refunds come following a recommendation by an administrative law judge with the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Judge James Rigas agreed with Cox's office that customers' Consumers Energy bills from 2001 through 2003 contained a surcharge for the specific purpose of tearing down the former Big Rock Point nuclear power plant near Charlevoix.
In agreeing with Cox, Rigas recommended that the excess money should be refunded to consumers.
Under Rigas's ruling, Consumers Energy customers statewide will have their refunds distributed to them via a credit on their monthly energy bills. Customers' total refunds will depend on their monthly electricity usage. Rigas's recommended that the refunds be made over a six-month period.
Consumers energy has until November 18 to appeal Rigas's recommendation.