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Ann Arbor group launches ballot initiative for city-owned electric utility
Residents aim to replace DTE Energy with a 100% renewable, democratically governed municipal utility
Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:31pm
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An organization called Ann Arbor Public Power announced it will begin collecting signatures to put a charter amendment on the November ballot that would require the city to establish a governance structure for a municipal electric utility. The group says a city-owned, not-for-profit utility could reinvest profits into upgrading the local grid and developing renewable energy, while keeping rates affordable.
Why it matters
Ann Arbor currently receives electricity from DTE Energy, one of Michigan's largest private utilities, which has faced criticism over high rates, poor reliability, and continued investment in fossil fuels despite the state's clean energy laws. The proposed municipal utility would give residents more local control over their energy future.
The details
The Ann Arbor Public Power group aims to collect 6,500 signatures to put the charter amendment on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the amendment would mandate elections for a public utility governing board in 2028. While the proposal would not immediately authorize the city to take over DTE's assets, the group says it would cost taxpayers 'almost nothing' to establish the governance structure. DTE has argued the plan could lead to a 30-40% increase in retail rates for Ann Arbor residents.
- Ann Arbor Public Power will kick off its signature collection drive on January 31, 2026.
- If the charter amendment is approved, elections for the public utility governing board would be held in 2028.
The players
Ann Arbor Public Power
A local organization of Ann Arbor residents pushing for the establishment of a publicly owned, 100% renewable energy utility in the city.
DTE Energy
One of Michigan's largest private electric utilities that currently provides service to Ann Arbor. DTE has faced criticism over high rates, poor reliability, and continued investment in fossil fuels.
Sean Higgins
President of Ann Arbor Public Power.
Ryan Lowry
Spokesperson for DTE Energy.
What they’re saying
“We believe that Ann Arbor is ready to begin the process of replacing DTE. A not-for-profit, democratically governed city utility can reinvest profits into upgrading the local grid instead of enriching shareholders, while keeping rates affordable and developing local renewable energy.”
— Sean Higgins, President, Ann Arbor Public Power (Michigan Advance)
“DTE remains focused on continuing to improve reliability, supporting Ann Arbor's clean energy goals, and keeping bills as low as possible.”
— Ryan Lowry, Spokesperson, DTE Energy (Michigan Advance)
What’s next
If the charter amendment is approved by voters, elections for the public utility governing board would be held in 2028.
The takeaway
This ballot initiative reflects growing grassroots momentum in Ann Arbor to take local control of its energy future and transition to 100% renewable power, rather than relying on a private utility that has faced criticism over high rates, poor reliability, and continued fossil fuel investments.
