Oakland County is asking state regulators to reject or substantially reduce DTE Electric Company’s proposed average 9.7% residential rate increase.

In its Oct. 27 brief, the county asks the Michigan Public Service Commission to limit any increase to 3.7%, which it identifies as the annual inflation rate through September. The pending rate case could affect DTE residential customers in Northville and Novi.

The county also wants annual disclosure of changes in customers’ total electricity costs and reviews to identify customers who could save money under another available rate.

DTE’s request seeks $474.3 million in additional annual revenue. The company says the increase would support investments in the electric grid and power generation, according to its announcement explaining the request.

Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward said residents submitted more than 1,250 electric bills in less than a week after the county opened a voluntary submission portal Sept. 11. The county estimates the proposed increase would add approximately $76 million annually to Oakland County residential customers’ bills, according to its Oct. 27 announcement.

The county’s filing argues that individual rate increases do not fully explain changes in customers’ total bills.

It describes a calculation using one customer’s December 2025 and April 2026 bills. After holding electricity use constant, the county’s consultant calculated a 13% increase, including surcharges outside the general rate case.

The MPSC had estimated that the earlier rate decision would increase a residential customer’s monthly bill by $4.93, or 4.6%, at 500 kilowatt-hours of use. Those rates took effect March 5, according to the commission’s announcement.

The county’s brief also describes DTE testimony opposing its transparency proposals. DTE cited existing customer notices, online information and rate-comparison resources.

Oakland County says a review of its own commercial electric accounts identified $13,000 in annual savings through a different rate. Its Board of Commissioners authorized intervention in the case May 21.

A final MPSC decision is expected in February 2027. The proposed increase has not been approved.