Coalition stands in solidarity with Michiganders for Money Out of Politics following the submission of more than 562,000 signatures.
LANSING, MI — Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs (MEMJ) recognized Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (MMOP) for submitting over 562,000 petition signatures to the Secretary of State.The coalition called the moment a clear reflection of how fed up Michigan residents and small businesses are with the utilities companies wielding political influence while continuing to drive up rates.
"Michiganders have sent a message that cannot be ignored. When utilities spend freely on the politicians who are supposed to regulate them, families foot the bill. Consumers Energy has requested over $700 million in rate increases in less than three months alone, and this petition is giving voters the power to demand better," said Sergio Cira-Reyes, Climate Justice Catalyst Urban Core Collective.
Energy and consumer advocates in the coalition shared this outcry is a direct result of the ongoing frustration that has been documented for years, from service disconnections and some of the longest outages in the state to a continued pattern of rate increases with little evidence that utilities are delivering meaningful improvements for customers.
"Expanding access to more affordable energy sources and avenues, including renewable energy, has been slower and more expensive than it needs to be because utilities have monopolized that access to protect their profits. When they can also fund the politicians overseeing them, ratepayers pay more and wait longer. This initiative gets to the root of that problem," said Andrea Pierce, Deputy Director of Programming, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition.
MEMJ members expressed this petition demonstrates the larger movement around utility accountability, energy affordability, and fairness taking hold across Michigan. If MMOP's petition is certified by the Board of State Canvassers, the proposal will appear on the November 2026 ballot.
"Utility accountability is not a partisan issue. Michigan families across the state are struggling with rising energy costs and deserve a government that works for them, not one that is funded by the utilities setting their bills," said Alexis Blizman, Policy Director, Ecology Center.
“Preventing rate hikes is in the interest of public health, as affordable, reliable energy can keep household conditions safe and medications and medical equipment stable,” said Teresa Homsi, MPH, Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action. “This petition addresses a serious conflict of interest that currently buys utilities and other major government contractors like Blue Cross Blue Shield disproportionate access to our policymakers.”
“While Michiganders struggle through an energy affordability crisis, DTE and Consumers Energy posted record profits in 2024 and 2025 and continued opposing cost-saving measures like community solar. The people of Michigan want accountability from their utilities and this petition shows they’re ready to demand their voices are heard,” said Patty O’Keefe, Senior Midwest Regional Director, Vote Solar.
"Michigan families don't just need lower bills -- they need a government that isn't being bankrolled by the companies setting those bills. The energy affordability crisis is as real as the political influence fueling it, said Ashley Rudzinski, Climate & Environment Program Director for Groundwork Center. “We stand with every resident who signed that petition and every ratepayer still waiting for relief."
###