Michigan voters will decide next week whether to limit utilities' political spending in state elections. The ballot measure comes as customer complaints about utilities intensify across the state.
Advocacy groups and volunteers gathered 560,000 signatures to place the proposal on the ballot. They say high utility rates and unreliable service stem from utilities' outsized influence over state lawmakers. The state sees some of the highest utility rates in the country and the least reliable service, according to the report.
"Everything is more expensive. The quality of service is worse, and we are dealing with more air and water pollution as a result of utility influence in Lansing," said Christy McGillivray, co-chair of Michiganders for Money Out of Politics.
Recent extreme weather events, including ice storms and tornadoes, left residents without power for extended periods. Residents also cite concerns about data centers expanding in the state and the utilities powering them.
Polls from supportive organizations show strong voter approval for the initiative. Some experts caution that even if it passes and survives legal challenges, it may not eliminate all utility money from politics. Sam Getsinger, 83, spent months canvassing northern Michigan to support the measure. She said nearly all people she spoke with agreed utilities should have less political influence.