business
DTE bills spike after June heat wave as families and businesses struggle to keep up
By Carolyn Clifford at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
Many families in Southeast Michigan are now seeing the impact of last month's heat wave on their electric bills and with another hot stretch ahead, they're worried about what comes next. Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report: DTE bills spike after June heat wave as families and businesses struggl...
Key takeaway She says her bill has gone up $200 this summer, which bring the cost to roughly $500 per month.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The spike in DTE bills following the June heat wave has significant implications for Detroit 's low-income households and small businesses, many of which are already operating on tight budgets. With funding for utility assistance agencies depleted until October, these families and businesses are left with limited options for managing their increased energy costs. The proposed electric rate increase of nearly 10% will only exacerbate the problem, making it even more difficult for residents to afford basic necessities. As the city's economy continues to grow, it's crucial that policymakers and utility companies prioritize affordable energy solutions for vulnerable populations. The Avenue of Fashion, where Pink Poodle Bridal is located, is a thriving commercial corridor that relies on small businesses like Bumphers' to drive economic activity. If these businesses are forced to divert more resources to utility bills, it could have a ripple effect on the local economy, ultimately impacting the city's overall vitality.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . 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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Many families in Southeast Michigan are now seeing the impact of last month's heat wave on their electric bills and with another hot stretch ahead, they're worried about what comes next. Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report: DTE bills spike after June heat wave as families and businesses struggl...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Carolyn Clifford at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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