LANSING - State Representatives Andy Neumann (D-Alpena) and Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) today announced that the 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.
"We must protect our residents from having to decide between buying groceries or paying their utility bills," said Sheltrown, who sponsored a bill in the package. "Heating costs were overwhelmingly high for residents this winter; let's make this the last winter families have to worry. Having heat could mean the difference between life and death for some of our vulnerable residents."
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 Public Service Commission (PSC) to work with providers and service agencies to better assist seniors and low-income families who may struggle with payments.
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.
"This plan will improve the lives of Michigan families who are struggling in these tough economic times," said Neumann, a sponsor of one of the bills in the package. "Utility bills can be a huge expense for our low-income and older residents. Helping our families get back on their feet is the first step in turning Michigan's economy around. We can't turn our back on those who have fallen on hard times."