Government Controlled Power =
~$1 Billion in New City Debt
Every resident and business in Ann Arbor would be on the hook to pay it off. We can't afford it. Vote No on E!
What's On the Ballot with Proposal E
Proposal E would amend the City Charter to create a government-run electric utility.
The ballot proposal calls for “the establishment of a municipal electric utility” governed by a new 9-member board: 5 elected directly by voters, 4 appointed by City Council. The board would have authority over utility operations, rates, and planning — but City Council could override its decisions.
An independent analysis by Charles River Associates analyzed this proposal and found it would cost $1 billion up front. But that’s not all. Get the facts about Proposal E before you vote.
Crushing Costs
- $1 billion in debt to acquire the system — 3 times what we spend on schools
- 30–40% rate increase starting day one
- $550–$700 more per household annually — and rising
- Over $1 billion more in ongoing capital costs through 2044
Massive Risks
- Ann Arbor has zero experience operating an electric grid
- Every kilowatt-hour must be bought on the open market — as a small, new buyer with no bargaining power
- Procuring renewable energy in a tightening wholesale market will be even more competitive and costly
- No guarantee the City could hire or retain the necessary work force
Political Control
- Not a single board member required to have electric utility or engineering experience
- City Council can override utility decisions
- Political insiders and donors could end up making decisions about your electricity
- Once created through a charter amendment, this structure is permanent
1534
supporters with us so far, including these Ann Arbor residents:
Who We Are
We support clean energy. We oppose this specific proposal.
Ann Arbor Responsible Energy Coalition brings together community members, businesses, and residents who believe there are better, faster, less risky paths to the energy future Ann Arbor wants. We’re not here to defend the status quo — we’re here because the evidence shows Proposal E would set Ann Arbor back, not move it forward.