NEW POLL: Michiganders Are Paying More for Extreme Heat

Lansing, Mich. –  While the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is scheduled to host “affordability workshops” focused on rising energy costs in Grand Rapids, a new statewide survey from EPIC-MRA finds that a majority of Michigan voters recognize the higher temperatures this summer resulted in higher bills for them to get relief from the heat. Experts predicted earlier that summer cooling costs could hit record highs, more than 10 percent higher than last year, costing families nearly $800. All this comes as more research finds that “energy debt” is crushing the middle class and new national inflation numbers are expected tomorrow on top of last week’s bad jobs report.

The poll comes as Michigan families have already endured a summer of dangerous heat and higher cooling needs. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notes that Michigan averages more than 1,100 emergency department visits for heat-related illness each year, and state health officials warn that extreme heat can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with medical conditions. This summer, parts of Mid-Michigan saw temperatures in the mid- and upper-90s with heat index values around 105, while poor air quality added another layer of concern for families trying to stay safe.

EPIC-MRA President Bernie Porn issued the following statement: 

“Michigan summers are getting hotter, but what makes them more unbearable is that it’s even more expensive now to stay cool. Our survey found that residents feel they are paying significantly higher electric bills to stay cool, with 63% saying costs have increased at least a little, including 36% saying costs have increased a lot.”

Key findings:

• 63% of Michigan voters say the extreme heat this summer has increased at least a little for what they’ve had to pay to stay cool
• 36% of those said costs increased “a lot”  
• 65% of women respondents said costs increased “a lot” or “somewhat”
• 59% of independent voters  said costs increased “a lot” or “somewhat”

Climate Power Michigan Director Tom Lenard issued the following statement: 

“Michiganders’ bills are too damn high—and extreme heat and expensive energy are just making it worse. Federal policies like ending access to cheaper, cleaner energy and reckless tariffs contribute to rising electricity rates. We are tired of paying for Trump’s disastrous energy policies, his illegal tariffs, and his war in Iran.”

The survey was conducted July 24–31, 2026, of 600 likely November 2026 voters (margin of error ±4.0 points), and was commissioned by Climate Power.

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