Utility https://www.wcmu.org/tags/utility Utility en-US Copyright Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT With a federal tax credit ending early, installing home solar is about to get more expensive https://www.wcmu.org/2025-12-15/homeowner-solar-tax-credit The massive tax and spending law signed in July halts a federal incentive for residential solar, and homeowners and installers are hurrying to complete projects before the end of the year. Industry experts say there are other ways to cut costs like "group buys." Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-12-15/homeowner-solar-tax-credit Rachel Cramer PIE&G to raise monthly rates, as ice storm costs exceed $100 million https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-06-25/pie-g-to-raise-monthly-rates-as-ice-storm-costs-exceed-100-million The Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op says they’re raising their rates on each of its locations by $20 per month this fall. The co-op says the rate hike will pay down interest payments on several emergency loans following the March ice storm. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 20:55:56 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-06-25/pie-g-to-raise-monthly-rates-as-ice-storm-costs-exceed-100-million Rick Brewer Residents recall ice storm at meeting, 'the pictures and videos don't do it justice' https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-05-22/residents-recall-ice-storm-at-meeting-the-pictures-and-videos-dont-do-it-justice As the storm swept across northern-lower Michigan, more than an inch and a half of ice collected on tree branches, power lines, homes and vehicles. Thu, 22 May 2025 23:23:13 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-05-22/residents-recall-ice-storm-at-meeting-the-pictures-and-videos-dont-do-it-justice Michael Livingston, Teresa Homsi Alpena Community College set to host the College Lineman Rodeo https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-04-24/alpena-community-college-set-to-host-the-college-lineman-rodeo Alpena Community College will be hosting this year's College Lineman Rodeo on Friday, where 55 students from across the country will compete in utility worker tasks. There will be two climbing events, a ground repair and a timed multiple-choice exam. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-04-24/alpena-community-college-set-to-host-the-college-lineman-rodeo Blace Carpenter With no staff left at LIHEAP, the federal utility assistance program, advocates worry about funding https://www.wcmu.org/2025-04-14/liheap-federal-layoffs-utility-assistance-funding About $378 million of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding remains to be distributed. Without federal staff, some experts and advocates worry that low-income customers won’t be able to pay for cooling as the months get hotter. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:00:40 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-04-14/liheap-federal-layoffs-utility-assistance-funding Héctor Alejandro Arzate Public utility in the Thumb falls victim to phishing scam https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-04-15/public-utility-in-the-thumb-falls-victim-to-phishing-scam A public utility in the Thumb says it fell victim to a phishing scam, but did not reveal how much money had been stolen. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 22:33:49 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-04-15/public-utility-in-the-thumb-falls-victim-to-phishing-scam Teresa Homsi Public Service Commission approves 25 million dollar refund for DTE gas customers https://www.wcmu.org/economy/2018-10-24/public-service-commission-approves-25-million-dollar-refund-for-dte-gas-customers The Michigan Public Service Commision Wednesday approved a 25 million dollar refund to customers of DTE Gas.The refund stems from lower taxes state… Wed, 24 Oct 2018 20:30:59 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/economy/2018-10-24/public-service-commission-approves-25-million-dollar-refund-for-dte-gas-customers Senate bill would reduce property taxes for utilities https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2018-06-07/senate-bill-would-reduce-property-taxes-for-utilities A bill in the Michigan Senate would exempt new utility distribution lines and storage equipment from property taxes.Groups in opposition of the bill say… Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:07:36 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2018-06-07/senate-bill-would-reduce-property-taxes-for-utilities Electric utilities to report cybersecurity plans and threats https://www.wcmu.org/health-science-and-environment/2018-04-02/electric-utilities-to-report-cybersecurity-plans-and-threats The state is taking public comment on updated cybersecurity rules for electric companies. State energy officials said there are reports of criminals… Mon, 02 Apr 2018 20:30:28 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/health-science-and-environment/2018-04-02/electric-utilities-to-report-cybersecurity-plans-and-threats