LANSING – A day after state regulators approved a rate hike of up to 47 percent – or an average of up to $62 a month – for Consumers Energy customers, State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) renewed his call for action on an emergency energy plan that will help families get through the winter without their heat being turned off.
"A 47 percent increase in heating bills means many working families and seniors living on fixed incomes will be hit with an additional $60 or more on their heating bills," Sheltrown said. "This could force them to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries. Our plan will bring relief to struggling households. No one in Michigan should have to choose between heat and food."
The legislation, called Winter Assistance and Relief for Michigan (WARM), will:
- Ban utility companies from shutting off heat service through March 31;
- Provide additional funding for energy assistance funds;
- Give the Michigan Public Service Commission the power to shift $5 million from research into a fund to help people pay heating bills;
- Set up a database to coordinate volunteers willing to help with winterization efforts; and
- Give residents a tax deduction if they winterize their homes.
"Northern Michigan winters can be viciously cold, and no one should have to worry about having their heat turned off," Sheltrown said. "I want to ensure that no one spends even one frigid night without heat. This legislation will keep that from happening and protect our residents from winter's chill."
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced in October that natural gas heating bills this winter are expected to jump 46 percent, or an average of $59 a month. The average monthly winter bill in 2005-06 is projected to be close to $200, the MPSC reported.