Ratepayer protection organization launches in Michigan

LANSING – The Citizens Utility Board of Michigan (CUB), an organization advocating for Michigan ratepayers, announced its launch today. CUB’s mission is to represent the interests of residential energy customers across the state. The organization will educate and engage Michigan customers in support of cost-effective investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and hold utility companies accountable for unfair rate increase requests.

“The Citizen’s Utility Board of Michigan was formed to educate Michigan ratepayers about their energy costs and empower them to advocate against unfair rate increases,” said Amy Bandyk, executive director of CUB. “Michigan’s major utility companies operate in a regulated monopoly, and they need to be held accountable for keeping energy rates affordable for their customers.”

CUB’s board of directors is made up of former utility regulators, leaders of consumer advocacy groups and energy experts. President Robert Nelson, a former Michigan Public Service Commissioner, regulatory attorney and community leader, leads the board.

“Michiganders should have a voice when it comes to how much they pay for energy,” said Robert Nelson, president of CUB of Michigan. “We look forward to working with ratepayers and regulators to ensure Michigan customers are getting a fair rate for the energy they use and costs are reflective of their utilities’ performance.”

Other members of the CUB’s Board of Directors include:

  • Keith Cooley, energy consultant and former director of DLEG from Detroit
  • John Liskey, lawyer & former assistant attorney general from Lansing
  • Jenn Hill,consumer advocate from Marquette
  • Charlotte Jameson, energy policy and legislative affairs director for Michigan Environmental Council, from Ann Arbor

For more information about the CUB of Michigan, visit www.cubofmichigan.org

 

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CONTACT: Amy Bandyk, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board of Michigan, (248) 385-3167