PSC REPORT ON SHUTOFF PROCEDURES & ELIMINATION OF BARRIERS
House Bill 4657 (Substitute H-1)
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Stamas
Committee: Energy and Technology
Complete to 3-31-09
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4657 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE 3-26-09
House Bill 4657 would require the Public Service Commission to file a report with the Legislature within two years of the bill's effective date and every two years thereafter presenting recommendations concerning (1) the elimination of barriers to assisting senior citizen customers (those aged 65 or older) or other customers who may be eligible for federal and state energy assistance programs, and (2) shut-off procedures. The PSC would have to work with the Departments of Human Services and Community Health, providers, and social services agencies to identify barriers to assisting these customers.
[In this section, "providers" means (1) electric utilities; (2) municipally-owned electric or natural gas utilities; (3) cooperative electric utilities; (4) alternative energy suppliers; and (5) investor-owned natural gas utilities with regulated rates.]
A fiscal analysis is in process.
POSITIONS:
The Public Service Commission testified in support of the entire shutoff protection package of bills. (3-24-09)
The Attorney General indicated support of the entire package. (3-26-09)
The Department of Human Services indicated support of the entire package. (3-26-09)
ACORN (Michigan) indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
The Center for Civil Justice indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
Clean Water Action testified in support of the entire package, and submitted a letter of support dated 3-24-09, but would also like to see shutoff protections during hot summer weather and ban on foreclosures due to non-payment of utility bills. (3-24-09)
Consumers Energy indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
DTE Energy indicated support of the entire package. (3-26-09)
Elder Law of Michigan indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
Indiana Michigan Power indicated support of the entire package. (3-26-09)
Michigan Advocacy project indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
The Michigan Catholic Conference indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
The Michigan Electric Cooperative Association indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
The Michigan Electric and Gas Association indicated support of the entire package. (3-26-09)
Michigan Citizen Action indicated support of the entire package. (3-24-09)
The Michigan Municipal Electric Association testified in support of the entire package. (3-26-09)
SEMCO Energy indicated support of the entire package. (3-26-09)
The AARP opposes House Bill 4390 and House Bill 4392 but is supportive of the rest of the package, including this bill. (3-24-09)
Legislative Analyst: Shannan Kane
Fiscal Analyst: Mark Wolf
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.