LANSING – State Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) has voted for a comprehensive plan that will protect Michigan residents by reforming the way Michigan utilities handle utility shutoffs. The plan now moves to the Senate.
"We've seen far too many tragedies this past winter as result of utility shutoffs," said Barnett, who co-sponsored the plan. "Heating your home can mean the difference between life and death when the temperature is below freezing. With this much-needed plan, we can protect our residents that are most at risk and make critical reforms to the way utilities handle shutoffs."
The bipartisan plan, which passed with strong support:
- 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 the state this year, as Michigan again struggled through a harsh winter. 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 very happy that we were able to work quickly with our colleagues across the aisle to pass these protections for our residents," Barnett said. "For those living on fixed incomes or struggling in this economic climate, it easy to fall behind on rising utility bills. I commend my colleagues for their hard work on this package."