Back to Newsroom

2026 Rate Review

May 23, 2026  |  News

Upper Peninsula Power Company has filed a request with the Michigan Public Service Commission to review and update certain electric rates and service conditions. The filing is intended to address revenue shortfalls and support the continued safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric system. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the filing and what it may mean for customers.

 

When did UPPCO file its most recent rate review? 

  • UPPCO submitted its filing to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) requesting a rate increase on May 22, 2026.

 

Who is impacted?

  • All UPPCO customers.

 

When will the new rates go into effect?

  • The rate adjustment is subject to regulatory approval by the MPSC, which has 10 months to review UPPCO’s proposal and issue a decision.  Any adjustments to customers’ rates resulting from the MPSC’s decision will go into effect after the Commission’s Order has been issued.

 

Why did UPPCO request an increase in its rates?

  • The increase is required to address an under-recovery of revenue that is necessary to operate the electric utility. The under-recovery is being driven by the following: 
    • Increased operating expenses (fuel for company vehicles, purchased power, tree trimming and vegetation management, contractors, non-capital materials and supplies, metering, routine maintenance performed on the company’s distribution and generation assets, etc.). 
    • Investments being made in infrastructure (poles, wires, electrical devices, technology, etc.) that enable the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of energy to customers.  
    • Construction of system upgrades and new infrastructure necessary to support load growth and economic development throughout the region.  
    • Significant increases in the cost of equipment, materials, supplies, and labor related to the company’s capital projects.

An infographic demonstrating inflation impacts over a 3 year span

What is happening in the industry? 

  • Energy prices have risen throughout the nation as utilities have encountered significantly higher operational, construction, and energy production costs. 
  • UPPCO’s Rate Review does not include or reflect the impact of Michigan’s 2023 energy legislation.  

 

What if I cannot afford to pay my energy bill? 

  • UPPCO’s Energy Assistance, Self-sufficiency & Education (EASE) Program is intended to assist eligible customers by establishing a two-year affordable payment plan. To learn more about EASE and other assistance information, visit our assistance page. 
  • The State of Michigan offers a variety of resources to assist eligible households that apply through the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) MIBridges website.

 

Where can I get more information? 

  • Information regarding the regulatory proceeding can be found on our regulatory page.  
  • The case has been assigned Docket Number U-22032 by the Michigan Public Service Commission. 

UPPCO is the Upper Peninsula’s largest electric utility serving approximately 52,000  customers across 4,460 square miles. UPPCO and its predecessors have excelled at  providing dependable service and safe, reliable energy to its valued customers for more than 135 years.