local
Detroit families struggle with $500 utility bills as Michigan designs affordability program
By Outlier Media at Planet Detroit
· June 24, 2026
· 5 min read
by BRIANA RICEOutlier MediaThis story was originally published by Outlier Media. Sign up for Outlier’s newsletter .
Karen Johnson Moore and her husband Columbus Moore are working hard to lower their DTE Energy bill, which topped $500 in February for gas and electric combined.
Years ago, the...
Key takeaway Karen Johnson Moore and her husband Columbus Moore are working hard to lower their DTE Energy bill, which topped $500 in February for gas and electric combined.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The struggle to pay utility bills in Detroit is a harsh reality for many residents, particularly in low-income households. The city's North Rosedale Park neighborhood, where the Moores reside, is not immune to this issue. As Michigan regulators work to design a program to limit combined gas and electric costs for low-income households, it's crucial to consider the specific needs of Detroit's communities. The city's high poverty rates and aging housing stock can drive up energy costs, making it even harder for residents to make ends meet. For instance, the Moores' experience with malfunctioning solar panels highlights the need for effective and reliable solutions. As the state moves forward with its affordability program, it must ensure that Detroit's most vulnerable residents, like the Moores and Deshotel, are prioritized and receive the support they need to avoid utility shut-offs and maintain a basic standard of living.
About this story
Original reporting by Planet Detroit . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Planet Detroit . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Planet Detroit ·
Reading time: 5 min
Get more The Detroit stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? by BRIANA RICEOutlier MediaThis story was originally published by Outlier Media. Sign up for Outlier’s newsletter.
Karen Johnson Moore and her husband Columbus Moore are working hard to lower their DTE Energy bill, which topped $500 in February for gas and electric combined.
Years ago, the...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Planet Detroit and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Outlier Media at Planet Detroit. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter