Photo: Paul Sancya ~ AP
PODCAST
October 14, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick interviews Brian Geringer, executive director of Ann Arbor for public power, regarding the ballot proposal to replace DTE with a municipal electric utility.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. ~ For many Ann Arbor residents, keeping the lights on has become about more than electricity. Frustration over power outages, rising energy costs and a desire for cleaner energy sources has fueled a growing movement to explore whether the city should take control of its own electric future.
A ballot proposal before voters would begin the process of creating a municipal electric utility that could eventually replace DTE Energy as Ann Arbor’s power provider. Supporters say public power could deliver more reliable service and help the city meet its climate goals, while opponents warn the cost of acquiring DTE’s infrastructure could create significant financial risks for taxpayers and the city.
