Recently, the Michigan laws regulating utilities changed.
Electric choice is intended to bring competition to part of the electric utility industry.
The underlying theory is that competition can do a better job than government regulation in setting prices and promoting efficiency and innovation in electricity supply. Under this theory, costs and prices may decline for all customer groups. Generally speaking, from the early 1900's until today, electric utilities have been operated as monopolies whereby a single company provided the necessary electric generation, transmission, and distribution. Currently, your local electric company makes or purchases electricity and delivers it to your station. In the restructured environment, customers will be able to buy electric supply only in a competitive marketplace, or elect to stay with their current electric company under rates regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.