ALLOW DESIGNATED THIRD PARTIES TO

RECEIVE UTILITY BILLS AND SHUTOFF NOTICES

House Bill 4660 (Substitute H-3)

Sponsor:  Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker

Committee:  Energy and Technology

Complete to 3-31-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4660 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE 3-26-09

House Bill 4660 would add Section 9g to the Public Service Commission Law to require energy providers to allow customers to designate a third party (subject to that party's consent) to receive bill notifications, including shutoff notices, on the customer's behalf.  This section would apply to electric utilities, municipally-owned electric and natural gas utilities, cooperative electric utilities, alternative electric suppliers, and investor-owned, regulated natural gas utilities. 

In general, a provider would have to comply with this provision by November 1, 2009, unless it received an extension from the Public Service Commission.  Municipal utilities could also receive an extension for good cause from its own governing body.  The PSC could promulgate rules relating to third-party notices. 

MCL 460.9g

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.