LANSING – State Representatives Sarah Roberts (D-St. Claire Shores), Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond) and Jon Switalski (D-Warren) today praised a bipartisan plan that will protect residents during the harsh Michigan winter by banning utility shutoffs during the winter months.
"Too many Michigan residents are receiving high utility bills they can't pay, which can result in having their services turned off," said Roberts, who sponsored part of the plan that will specifically aid seniors. "When you're budgeting every last dollar and the cost of heat continues to rise, it's really easy to fall behind. This plan will help residents and utilities work together to ensure that no one is left out in the cold."
The plan, which was introduced in both the House and Senate on Wednesday:
- Permanently bans winter shutoffs for all utilities from Dec. 1 to March 31.
- Requires utilities to give all customers at least 15 days notice before shutoff either in person or by certified mail.
- Places all utility providers, including municipal electric companies, under the authority of the Public Service Commission (PSC) for provisions governing shutoffs.
- Prevents providers from using electric limiters until the PSC establishes uniform standards governing their usage.
The plan also places strict penalties 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. Under the terms of the plan, electric providers would have to work with state and local agencies in order to help consumers obtain assistance if they're having trouble paying their bills.
"With so many residents out of work, more and more people are struggling to pay their utility bills," Haase said. "We have to make sure that utilities do everything possible to prevent shutoffs, because heating your home is a matter of life and death in winter. This plan helps ensure that our seniors, especially, stay safe during Michigan's most severe weather."
The plan aims to prevent tragedies like the death of a 93-year-old World War II veteran in Bay City. Marvin Schur was found frozen to death in his home last month after Bay City Electric Light and Power placed an electric limiter on his home. Under current law, Bay City Electric Light and Power is not subject to PSC rules as a municipal utility. Tragedy struck again last week when a Fruitport Township home caught fire, killing two children. After the gas company shut off service to the home, the family was using kerosene heaters to keep warm as temperatures dipped below freezing.
"Tragedies such as these are completely avoidable," Switalski said. "No one should have to face the fear of having their heat shut off. I fully support this plan and will fight to ensure all of Michigan's residents are protected."