WHAT YOU GET FROM ABATE:
Advocating for Lower Electricity Costs:
ABATE lawyers vigilantly watch the Michigan Public Service Commission, prepared to intervene whenever utilities ask for higher electric rates.
Working to Hold Down Natural Gas Transportation Costs:
The Michigan Public Service Commission sets the rates that determine how much utilities can charge for moving natural gas around the state. ABATE reviews utility proposals, and steps in when those rate requests are inappropriate.
Battling in the Legislature:
Michigan’s major utilities have teams of lobbyists, bankrolls of political action contributions, and armies of local marketing representatives with only one thing on their minds: Influencing Michigan lawmakers. ABATE has its own lobbyist and issue management team, working with other customers, to obtain reasonable utility legislation.
Protecting Our Interests Before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”):
FERC affects local utility rates by setting the rates for wholesale market transactions, including transmission rates, and establishing the organized electric markets. ABATE intervenes in FERC rule-making and other cases when needed to protect Michigan industrial customers’ interests.