LANSING - State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today voted in favor of a package of bills that will protect Michigan residents by reforming the way Michigan utilities handle utility shutoffs. The plan now heads to the Senate.
"As we've tragically seen this year, this is a very serious issue for our residents," Ebli said. "When heating your home becomes a matter of life and death, we need to make sure Michigan utilities are doing everything within their power to prevent shutoffs during the harsh winter months. This plan puts our residents first and ensures that their health won't be compromised simply because of a few unpaid bills."
The bipartisan 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 to work with providers and service agencies to better assist seniors and low-income families who may struggle with payments.
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.
Utility shutoffs were the cause of a number of tragedies throughout Michigan this year. 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.
"I'm happy to see so many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle stood in support of our residents by passing this plan," Ebli said. "No one should be forced to go without heat or electricity during Michigan's frigid winters. This comprehensive plan will keep our residents healthy and safe, and I urge the Senate to act quickly to protect Michigan families for many winters to come."