Plan to Reform Utility Shutoffs Moves Forward
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State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) and State Senator Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) today announced that the Michigan House of Representatives has passed a package of bills that will protect Michigan residents by reforming the way Michigan utilities handle utility shutoffs. The plan now moves to the Senate.
"This comprehensive plan will ensure that Michigan residents are not left out in the cold," said Mayes, Chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "We've seen too many tragedies already. I will not stand idly by while our residents are forced to suffer through another winter at risk of having their utilities shut off without proper notification."
The bipartisan, bicameral plan:
· Bans winter utility shutoffs for seniors and low-income individuals who have sought assistance paying their bills.
· Bans the use of electric limiters for senior citizens and for those with a known medical emergency.
· Adds an additional layer of protections for seniors by requiring utilities to contact those seniors who have had their power shut off to let them know what they need to do to have their service restored.
· Requires the PSC to work with providers and service agencies to better assist seniors and low-income families who may struggle with payments.
Barcia, who has worked on these reforms in the Senate, applauded the move.
"No person should be without heat and electricity during cold winter months," Barcia said. "This plan will reform the system and protect our most vulnerable residents."
Utility shutoffs were the cause of a number of tragedies throughout the state this year, as Michigan again struggled through a harsh winter.
In Bay City, 93-year-old Marvin Schur froze to death in his home after Bay City Electric Light and Power placed a limiter on his electric use, which cut off electricity to his home after he exceeded the electrical usage allowed by the device. It is unclear whether the utility provider informed Schur how to use the limiting device.
In Fruitport Township, two children perished in a fire after the gas company shut off service. The home caught fire after the family used a portable kerosene heater in order to stay warm.
Under the terms of the plan, strict penalties will be placed on utilities that improperly shut off electric service to customers. Any fines collected from a violation could go toward the Low Income & Efficiency Fund, which provides shut-off protections for low-income residents while promoting energy efficiency programs.
"I'm very happy we're moving forward on this in a bipartisan manner," Mayes said. "This isn't a political issue, it's about protecting our residents from the harsh Michigan weather. Many families have lost a source of income or are coping with rising energy costs on a fixed income. With this plan, we'll ensure that we're putting our residents first."
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