Attention Michiganders: How Much Will Your Energy Bill Go Up?

First it was the idea of taking a loan out for a dozen eggs. Now we might need to take a second mortgage out on our homes just to keep the lights on. With the vast number of wind turbines you may see in the Great Lakes State, especially in the thumb and up north, we still get a lot of our energy here in Michigan from Canada.

As Michiganders, we've always had a friendly relationship with Canada. How many of us at 19-years-old make the journey across the Blue Water or Ambassador Bridges, or even perhaps under the Detroit River through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel to enjoy our first technically legal drink of alcohol?

The Trade War's Impact on Michigan Energy

But it would seem that due to the current trade war going on in North America, our friends to the north are taking actions that could affect your power bill as soon as today.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said today that despite the Trump Administration's pause on the newly imposed tariffs, he will move forward with retaliatory tariffs  on energy that would affect the United States. More specifically targeting Michigan, New York and Minnesota with Michigan feeling the first impacts.

What Does This Mean for Michiganders?

Get ready for up to a 25% increase in some areas. Experts are estimating an additional $69 per month for energy usage in parts of Michigan. According to Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman Dan Scripps, 'I think the consequences could be real. I mean, if he followed through and did ultimately severe the connections... The thing is, it's a lose-lose proposition; that both sides benefit from our shared system, and if that were to be restricted, both sides would lose from having their layer of resilience.'