Michigan regulators clamp down on utility’s political spending

The Consumers Energy headquarters in Jackson, Michigan./ Photo by Lane Montgomery / Creative Commons

 

By Andy Balaskovitz | Energy News Network

The agreement with Consumers Energy follows a complaint about a nonprofit group linked to the utility.

In an unprecedented move, the Michigan Public Service Commission has prohibited a major utility from using corporate dollars to fund nonprofit political advocacy groups.

The deal with Consumers Energy follows a contentious election involving outsized spending from energy-focused nonprofit groups supporting regulated utilities. Sources say it was the commission’s attempt to rein in the practice following complaints about one group’s political spending in the 2018 election.

“This is recognition that this is a serious problem, and it’s a big step in the right direction,” said Patrick Anderson, a tax policy expert and CEO of the Anderson Economic Group. In July, Anderson filed a formal complaint with the IRS alleging that a Consumers-linked organization misused its tax-exempt status for political purposes. The IRS has not formally responded to the complaint.

READ ON:

 

Share this!

Additional Articles

Top master-planned communities for 2024

By AZ Big Media Here are the Top 10 master-planned communities in Arizona, based on public voting for the 2024 edition of Ranking Arizona, the state’s biggest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Ranking Arizona

Read More »
News Categories

Get Our Twice Weekly Newsletter!

* indicates required

Rose Law Group pc values “outrageous client service.” We pride ourselves on hyper-responsiveness to our clients’ needs and an extraordinary record of success in achieving our clients’ goals. We know we get results and our list of outstanding clients speaks to the quality of our work.