Ann Arbor Public Power Group Launches Petition Drive for 2026 Ballot Proposal

The proposal would not authorize the acquisition of DTE’s assets. That requires a separate vote, as stipulated by state law. The current proposal only establishes the board and defines its powers, and as such would cost taxpayers almost nothing. It’s an important first step.

“Starting the democratic process to replace DTE with a city-owned electric utility is both urgent and necessary,” says A2P2 president Sean Higgins. DTE is among the dirtiest major utilities in the country, with over two-thirds of its power coming from fossil fuels, and only 12 percent from solar and wind, according to the company’s latest fuel mix disclosure.  The company is openly planning new fossil fuel generation, despite a state mandate for 100% clean power by 2040. DTE’s reliability is abysmal, with average outage time during major weather events almost five times the national average, according to the 2025 report from the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan. And DTE’s residential rate of roughly 21 cents per kilowatt hour is among the highest in the Midwest, even as the company applies for rate increases almost continuously. The Center for Biological Diversity reports that “DTE is uniquely predatory towards its low-income customers,” shutting off power to more than 150,000 households in 2024 while forcing struggling customers to pay in cash. Meanwhile, DTE paid out roughly $900 million in shareholder dividends in 2024.

“We believe that Ann Arbor is ready to begin the process of replacing DTE,” Higgins says. “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.”

“We are extremely excited about enabling Ann Arbor to make this choice,” Higgins added. “People can now begin collecting signatures from their friends and neighbors. A2P2 will provide training and everything needed. Volunteer canvassers will soon be going door-to-door and will be present across the city.”

The kickoff celebration takes place Saturday, January 31 from 3-5pm at Clonlara School. A2P2 will provide signature collection training at the event.  It’s open to the public and will include  free food, speakers, and a Q&A session. A2P2 encourages members of the public to attend to learn more about the campaign.

Read the proposed city charter amendment here.

Ann Arbor for Public Power, a nonprofit grassroots citizen group, has been leading the municipalization effort since 2020. For more information, go to https://annarborpublicpower.org