DTE Energy is seeking a 10% electricity rate increase to fund upgrades to the grid it says will reduce power outages.

"This is an abusive relationship," said one commenter at a Detroit hearing on DTE Energy's request for higher electric rates.

There was uproar and anger from DTE Energy customers sounding off against a rate hike request from the company, while a number of community leaders spoke out in favor of it.

Earlier this year, DTE Energy requested approval for a rate hike. The utility wants a $456 million rate increase to reportedly improve reliability. A $456 million increase would cause the average bill to go up about $11 a month. If approved, the hike would begin in January 2025.