MUNICIPAL UTILITIES:  SHUTOFF NOTICES

House Bill 4659 (Substitute H-3)

Sponsor:  Rep. Joel Sheltrown

Committee:  Energy and Technology

Complete to 3-31-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4659 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE 3-26-09

The bill would add Section 9q to the Public Service Commission Law to adopt shutoff procedures for municipal utilities, effective November 1, 2009.  Municipal utilities are not regulated by the Public Service Commission and are not currently subject to shutoff procedures in statute or rule. 

MCL 460.9q

FISCAL IMPACT:

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 a 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.