Trump Administration Denies Disaster Aid as Rural Michigan Power Bills Rise

Internal FEMA records show roughly $90 million in damage, leaving member-owned co-ops to charge customers.

Overview

FEMA rejected on Oct. 22 the disaster-aid request for two rural electric cooperatives hit by a March ice storm in northern Michigan.
Internal administration documents tallied about $90 million in Category F utility damage, far exceeding the federal threshold for assistance.
Presque Isle Electric & Gas added a $20 monthly surcharge tied to a $150 million credit line, and Great Lakes Energy raised average monthly rates by $17.
Rep. Jack Bergman, a Republican who represents the area, said he cannot find a similar utility-aid denial and has asked the president to reconsider.
The Republican-led state House passed $100 million in recovery funds, the Democratic-led Senate has not acted, and the decision comes as reporting notes at least nine other disaster requests were denied this year.