LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon), State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) and State Senator Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) today introduced a bipartisan, bicameral package of bills that will protect residents during the harsh Michigan winter by banning utility shutoffs during the winter months.
"When people have their utilities shut off, they often turn to unsafe ways of heating their homes," said Brown, who authored one of the key bills in the package. "That can lead to fires or carbon monoxide deaths that are totally preventable. Banning shutoffs during the coldest part of the year will keep our seniors, people with disabilities and working families safe during these tough times."
The plan, which was introduced in both the House and Senate:
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.
Brown, Barcia and Mayes' plan aims to prevent another tragedy like that of 93-year-old World War II veteran Marvin Schur. Schur was found frozen to death in his Bay City home on Jan. 17 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.
The plan puts 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. The plan also requires electric providers to work with state and local agencies and credit services in order to help consumers obtain assistance if they're having trouble paying their bills.
Mayes also has indicated that he will be working closely in the days ahead with Sen. Bruce Patterson (R-Canton), Chair of the Senate Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee, in order to move quickly on this issue.
"With heating costs rising and families across Michigan struggling to make ends meet, a utility bill can become a big expense," said Mayes, Chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "This is especially true for our most vulnerable residents, such as those living on fixed incomes. When being able to turn on the heat means the difference between life and death, we need to make sure that utilities are doing everything they can to prevent shutoffs during dangerous weather."
"At the end of the day, protecting Michigan consumers should not be a partisan issue," Speaker of the House Andy Dillon (D-Redford) said. "I'm pleased that Rep. Mayes and Senator Barcia are working across party lines in both chambers in order to make a real difference in the lives of Michigan families. I look forward to working with them to pass this important plan."