State Rep. Matthew Bierlein this week voted for a practical plan that will help lower electric bills and improve energy reliability for Michigan families and job providers who are struggling with monthly costs.

“Instead of political agendas that set lofty long-term goals for 100 percent green energy use by a certain year, we need to look at the now and what people can and can’t afford,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “Many families are struggling with their budgets, and energy costs are a huge part of that equation. This resets how state government sets policies and puts people first.”

House Bills 5710-11 would refocus state energy policy on affordability and reliability by rolling back costly state mandates and requiring the Michigan Public Service Commission to prioritize whether proposed energy plans will keep costs manageable for residents and ensure power is available when needed most.

The plan would also end the use of customer utility payments to fund outside advocacy groups and require greater transparency when utilities seek rate increases.

“The MPSC has approved $1 billion in rate increases since 2023. That’s completely unsustainable for hardworking people across our area,” Bierlein said. 

The advancing plans work in concert with a separate effort to provide widespread property tax relief and utility rate rollbacks. Between the two measures, Michigan families would save nearly $1,400 every year through lower property taxes and lower monthly electric bills.

HBs 5710-11 now move to the Senate for consideration.