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In recent years, it has become clear that utility companies in Michigan are becoming increasingly aggressive in funding political candidates who are friendly to their agenda.

These companies are making it a part of their long-term political strategy to fund down-ballot, smaller races to make it easier for them to get legislation passed that is beneficial for their long-term outlook, according to Energy News Network.

One such example of the power and influence that utility companies seek to have in the state is that of former Michigan Rep. Gary Glenn (R-Midland) and Sen.Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte). 

Sen. Tom Barrett | #MiSenateGOP

The political ambition of utility companies does not appear to split down party lines. They are willing to outspend any candidate who deigns to stand in their way when it comes to policy. Glenn lost his race following a period of time when he was critical of the industry and stood in the way of legislation that would benefit the utilities. 

A recent example is that of Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor), the current Michigan House floor leader. This election cycle, companies -- including DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, ITC Holdings and SEMCO -- provided more than $50,000 in funding to Rabhi's opponent. This came following four years of Rabhi being an outspoken critic of the industry and opposing legislation that would have been advantageous to the energy and utilities industry. 

“If you aren’t willing to go with what they want, then they are willing to spend what it takes to defeat you,” Barrett said in 2018, according to Energy News Network.

Many politicians and analysts are speculating that no meaningful progress will be made until the energy industry relinquishes control of the ability to spend unlimited amounts of cash to shape the Michigan Legislature. This could mean that the future of energy in Michigan would be completely in the hands of the utility companies.