Otis Singleton
Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is a Michigan-based energy provider that offers a variety of rates to cater to the unique needs of its customers. UPPCO's rates are regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which approves rates for all utility providers in the state. The cost of UPPCO's electricity is determined by several factors, including the cost of distribution, which makes up a significant portion of the overall cost. In early 2025, UPPCO increased its rates by 5.6%, citing the need for investments in distribution infrastructure and inflation. Customers can choose to switch to an Alternative Electric Supplier (AES) if they find one that suits their needs, but they must submit a switch request form and may incur additional charges. UPPCO also offers assistance programs for low-income households who need help with their energy bills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy Charge | Varies with the amount of electricity used, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) |
| Power Supply Cost | Depends on the difference in an energy supplier's cost of producing or purchasing electricity |
| LED Upgrade Project | Per fixture charge for outdoor lighting changed to the approved LED rate on monthly statements |
| Customer Assistance | Support for low-income households, customers struggling with bills, and those eligible for state emergency relief |
| Regulatory Body | Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) |
| Rate Increase | 5.6% increase in monthly bill for average residential customers using 500 kWh of electricity |
| Rate Increase Frequency | UPPCO agreed not to increase rates before January 1, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
UPPCO's rates are approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC)
The Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is an electric supplier that provides services to customers in Michigan. UPPCO's rates are approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which regulates utility providers in the state.
The MPSC ensures that UPPCO's rates are fair and reasonable for customers, taking into account various factors such as the cost of distributing electricity, maintenance, and repairs. UPPCO offers a variety of rates to cater to the unique needs of its customers. The company also provides assistance programs for low-income households, such as the LIEAF program, which helps eligible households with their energy bills.
The cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that UPPCO charges its customers is approved by the MPSC. This cost is based on the amount of electricity consumed and the associated distribution costs. UPPCO customers are charged for both the supply and delivery of electricity, with the delivery charges covering the cost of getting the power from its source to the customer's home.
In recent years, UPPCO has made changes to its rates, with the MPSC approving some rate increases. For example, in 2025, UPPCO customers experienced a 5.6% increase in their monthly bills, which the company attributed to investing in distribution infrastructure and inflation. Additionally, in 2023, the MPSC authorized UPPCO to raise customer rates by $10.8 million after a settlement agreement was reached.
While UPPCO works to provide reliable and economical energy services, customers have the option to switch to an Alternative Electric Supplier (AES) if they find a suitable provider. However, UPPCO will remain the default electric supplier for its service area unless customers choose otherwise.
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The cost of electricity is more than double the cost of distributing it
The Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is an electric supplier that serves around 53,000 customers in the western and central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. UPPCO customers see their rates set by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which approves rates for all regulated utility providers in the state.
The cost of electricity for UPPCO customers is more than double the cost of distributing it. This is because the MPSC approves the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that UPPCO uses to bill customers, and distribution costs are a much higher percentage of the overall cost. These distribution costs cover getting the power from where it is created to a customer's home, including bringing power from where it is generated to substations, service centers, poles, and lines that go to each customer.
UPPCO offers a variety of rates to serve the unique needs of its customers. Customers can also choose to buy their electric supply from an Alternative Electric Supplier (AES), if one is available to them. However, UPPCO will remain a customer's electric supplier unless they choose otherwise, and UPPCO will still handle the delivery of energy.
UPPCO has also been working to upgrade its outdoor lighting to LED lights, passing on the kilowatt-hour savings to customers. Additionally, UPPCO supports the MPSC's LIEAF program, which provides energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to low-income households in Michigan. The company also offers assistance to customers who need help paying their bills, as well as a $15 monthly bill credit for low-income households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
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UPPCO offers assistance to low-income households
Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is an energy supplier that serves customers in Michigan. The company purchases electricity on the open market and distributes it to customers. UPPCO's rates are approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which regulates all utility providers in the state.
In addition to the LIEAF program, UPPCO offers other forms of assistance to low-income households. For example, the company provides an income-eligibility table on its website to help customers determine which assistance programs they may qualify for. UPPCO also offers a Self-Service Utility Program Screening Tool, which connects customers to appropriate assistance programs in the community.
The Winter Protection Plan is another program offered by UPPCO that protects low-income customers from service shutoffs and high utility bill payments during the winter months. To be eligible, customers must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Enrolled customers are required to pay at least seven percent of their estimated annual bill each month during the protection period.
Furthermore, UPPCO customers may apply for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) to help pay for winter heating bills if they meet certain income guidelines and exemptions. The HHC is supported by the Federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and forms are typically available in mid to late January. Customers who file the HHC form are protected from shutoff of their heating fuel service until the credit is issued.
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Customers can switch to an Alternative Electric Supplier (AES)
Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is a utility company that provides electricity to customers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The company is subject to regulation by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which approves the rates charged by UPPCO and other utility providers in the state.
UPPCO customers can choose to switch to an Alternative Electric Supplier (AES), which is a company that generates electricity or buys it from another generator to supply to consumers. This program allows customers to choose their electric supplier, with UPPCO remaining the default supplier unless a customer chooses otherwise.
To switch to an AES, customers must first find a supplier licensed by the state of Michigan and certified by UPPCO. A list of licensed AES providers can be found on the Michigan Public Service Commission's website. Customers must then enter into a contract with their chosen AES and submit a "switch request form" to be validated by UPPCO.
There are several guidelines and considerations for customers intending to switch to an AES. Firstly, customers must satisfy any past-due balances with UPPCO before initiating the switch. Secondly, there is a charge for switching suppliers more than once a year, and only one switch request can be issued at a time. Customers on special rate schedules may also need to make special arrangements.
It is important for customers to understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of switching to an AES. One advantage is the potential for cost savings, as competitive suppliers may offer lower rates or innovative services. However, a study by the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General found that residential customers in their state who switched to competitive suppliers paid more, on average, over a two-year period. Additionally, multiple providers in a deregulated market can make it complicated for customers to navigate and understand their bills.
Before switching, customers should carefully review their current rate and contract terms with UPPCO and compare them with the offerings of potential AES providers. They should also be aware of potential hidden fees and ask questions about contract length, rate variability, auto-renewal, cancellation policies, and potential savings over the contract term.
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UPPCO offers paperless billing
UPPCO, or the Upper Peninsula Power Company, offers a variety of rates to serve the unique needs of its customers. The cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that UPPCO uses to bill customers is approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The MPSC approves rates for all regulated utility providers in Michigan.
The process of switching to paperless billing is straightforward. Customers can enrol in the e-Bill Paperless Billing service by providing their email address and creating an account on the UPPCO customer portal. Once enrolled, customers will no longer receive physical paper bills in the mail. Instead, they will be notified via email when a new bill is available for viewing and payment on the portal.
In addition to the convenience of having all their bills in one digital location, customers who opt for paperless billing may also benefit from reduced clutter and increased organisation. They can easily access their billing history and payment records through the portal, eliminating the need for physical storage space and reducing the risk of losing important documents.
Furthermore, UPPCO's paperless billing option can contribute to environmental sustainability. By eliminating the need for paper bills, customers can reduce their paper consumption and minimise the environmental impact associated with paper production and distribution. This choice aligns with UPPCO's commitment to providing reliable, safe, and economical energy services, as well as supporting initiatives that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
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Frequently asked questions
The rate for electricity provided by UPPCO depends on a variety of factors. The cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and varies with the amount of electricity used. The cost to distribute energy to customers' homes is more than double the cost of the electricity itself.
UPPCO offers a $15 monthly bill credit for low-income households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
Households between 151% and 300% of the federal poverty level can benefit from the MI Impact program, which is a COVID relief program meant to offset expenses.
As of 2025, the average residential UPPCO customer who uses 500-kilowatt hours of electricity each month will see a 5.6% increase in their monthly bill.
