Legislation requiring new penalties for utility companies over prolonged power outages has stalled out in the Michigan House under Speaker Joe Tate.
The article from The Detroit News discusses how a group linked to DTE Energy, Michigan's largest utility company, contributed $100,000 to a "dark money" account controlled by Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate. This donation came at a time when DTE was facing significant public and political backlash due to widespread power outages during severe winter storms. The contribution was made to the Michigan House Democratic Fund, which is not required to disclose its donors, raising concerns about the influence of utility companies on state politics. Critics argue that such contributions could sway legislative decisions in favor of utility companies, especially concerning regulations and oversight. The donation has sparked discussions on the ethics of dark money in politics and its potential impact on policy-making related to energy infrastructure and consumer rights.
