LANSING – In response to recent local tragedy, State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) today lauded a bipartisan plan that will protect residents during the harsh Michigan winter by banning utility shutoffs during the winter months.
"Sadly, heating a home has literally become a matter of life or death for our residents," Valentine said. "This is simply unacceptable and it's time we step in to ensure that our residents are safe and warm in their homes. As lawmakers, our job is to work for and protect the people, and swift action on this plan will prevent future tragedies."
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.
The plan aims to prevent tragedies like the death of two Fruitport Township children last week. After the gas company shut off service to the home, the family was using kerosene heaters to keep warm and the home caught fire.
"Times are tough and too many of our hard-working families are barely making ends meet," Valentine said. "Tragedies like this are completely avoidable and we should be doing everything we can to protect our residents, especially during these cold winter months. It is imperative that we take immediate action to make sure that heartbreaking situations such as this never happen again."