Last month, while opening my electricity bill, I set down my coffee. I thought my eyesight had worsened, but upon checking the numbers, I realized my vision was fine; it was the bill that had gotten worse.

According to the monthly data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity rate in Michigan was 22.99 cents per kWh in August this year. This is a 10.9% increase from 20.73 cents in August last year.

During the same period, the national average rose from 17.57 cents to 18.16 cents, a 3.4% increase. Michigan's rate has increased at more than three times that pace, and I certainly didn't want to be number one in this category.

However, it's misleading to read this number as if it has been consistent throughout the year. The August figure is still preliminary and is based on a one-month comparison.

Looking at the EIA figures cited by local media for January, the rate was 18.48 cents, rising to 19.52 cents, a 5.6% increase. The gap has widened from the beginning of the year into the summer.

So, what about homes in Ann Arbor? Most homes receive their electricity bills from DTE, and DTE's rates increased starting March 5 of this year.

The amount approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in February was $242.4 million. This is significantly less than the $574.1 million that DTE requested.

According to CBS reports, a home using 500 kWh per month will see an increase of $4.93, or 4.6%. Therefore, you shouldn't simply add 4.6% and 10.9% together as they represent different calculations.

One reflects the impact of a single DTE rate decision, while the other is the average rate across all utilities in the state. There's no basis to claim that my bill increased exactly by 10.9%, so comparing it directly with last year's bill is the most accurate approach.

To get a sense of the costs, I calculated the average rate from the EIA for 500 kWh. At last year's August rate, it would be $103.65, and at this year's August rate, it would be $114.95, a difference of $11.30 per month.

The real winter challenge is the space heater. A typical 1500W heater running for 8 hours a day for 30 days consumes 360 kWh.

At this year's August average rate, that would cost $82.76 per month, compared to $74.63 at last year's rate. Heating one cold room could cost as much as a few dinners out.

Gas prices haven't been overlooked either. DTE's gas rate increase was approved on September 10 and will take effect on October 1, resulting in an increase of $2.87 for a home using 75 ccf.

Starting January 1, there will also be an additional charge of 68 cents per month for infrastructure costs. If you heat your home with gas, you'll feel this increase directly on your winter bill.

And it doesn't stop there. DTE has requested another increase of $474 million in April, and if approved, residential rates could rise by about 10% starting next March. This is still under review, so it's not finalized yet.

I acknowledge that fixing old power lines costs money. However, receiving another bill just two months after the February approval feels like being handed the menu again after finishing the meal.

While I can't control the rates, I can take steps to prevent heat loss. The first things to try are low-cost options.

Applying weather stripping to gaps under the front door. Installing window insulation film on old windows. Sealing outlets and window frames where cold air seeps in.

Checking the furnace filter. Lowering the thermostat at night and when leaving the house. Getting an estimate for attic insulation, even if it costs a bit.

The savings will vary based on the structure of your home, so I won't guarantee specific numbers. However, comparing this year's kWh and ccf usage with last year's bill will show immediate effects.

Also, take a look at your payment methods. According to CBS reports, DTE charges $2.99 per transaction for online credit card payments or automatic withdrawals starting in March. Check if the fees outweigh the credit card points and whether account payments are available.

Utilizing assistance programs is not something to be ashamed of; it's something to take advantage of. If you're worried about falling behind on your electricity and gas bills, you can call 2-1-1 to connect with the MEAP agency.

The Winter Protection Plan is a program that prevents electricity and gas shutoffs from November 1 to March 31. It targets low-income households and those over 65, so check with DTE for eligibility requirements.

DTE's low-income monthly credits have also increased, with electricity rising from $40 to $50 and gas from $40 to $58. I believe that as rates rise, these safety nets should also be strengthened.

The Home Heating Credit application for the 2025 tax year ended on September 30. The forms for 2026 are expected to be available around January, so it's a good idea to mark your calendar.

There's also a card available only in Ann Arbor. The city's Sustainable Energy Utility (A2SEU) has expanded its solar and battery pilot program throughout the city for households that may qualify for Medicaid or MEAP.

Information sessions are still available at the Ann Arbor Public Library on November 14 and 21. Services for the general public are being prepared to start in 2027, according to city announcements.

I genuinely support these public initiatives. However, the city has stated that A2SEU does not engage in door-to-door sales, so don't trust any solar salespeople knocking on your door claiming to represent them.

If it were me, I would start by applying weather stripping this weekend, pulling out last year's bill for comparison, and only using the space heater in the rooms that really need it. Michigan winters are long enough as it is; there's no need for the bills to be long too.