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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan

October 27, 2026

Contact: Levi Teitel, levi@progressmichigan.org

NEW POLL: Michiganders feeling left in the cold for energy costs

MICHIGAN — In recent polling released by Progress Michigan in concert with Public Policy Polling, more than three quarters of respondents reported feeling concerned about increased energy costs impacting their ability to pay their winter heating bills.

“Michigan families are already under financial strain from President Trump’s war in Iran, needless trade wars, and congressional Republicans making healthcare more expensive,” said Justin Mendoza, executive director of Progress Michigan. “To make matters worse, Consumers Energy’s latest natural gas rate hike is set to take effect November 1, raising rates 4.3 percent. With winter right around the corner, Michiganders are worried about how they will pay to heat their homes when cold weather hits. Michigan residents deserve leaders who don’t just pay lip service to these concerns, but who take them seriously and deliver real, sustainable solutions.”


How concerned are you about increased energy costs impacting your ability to afford your winter heating bills: very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not concerned at all?

Stacked bar chart: 49% of Michigan voters are very concerned and 28% somewhat concerned about affording winter heating bills, while 22% are not concerned at all. Very concerned ranges from 80% of African American voters and 64% of Democrats to 35% of Republicans. Survey of 630 Michigan voters, October 16-17, 2026, +/- 3.9% margin of error.

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