News

LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today unveiled a package of bills aimed at keeping seniors and vulnerable citizens safe during Michigan's harsh winters by requiring utility companies to give longer and more effective notice to customers at risk of a shutoff, adding protections for elderly and mentally disabled customers, and establishing procedures to ensure that no one risks injury or death by living in a home without electricity or heat.

"Michigan's seniors and working families need relief from the bitter cold and heating bills that are continuing to skyrocket," said Dean, a lead sponsor of the package. "In these tough economic times, no Michigan resident should have to make the choice between paying their electricity bill or buying groceries and medicine. By requiring utility companies to improve their notification procedures, we will ensure that none of our residents are left out in the cold."

The plan aims to prevent tragedies such as the death of 90-year-old Phyllis Willett of Vicksburg. Willett was found dead in her freezing Kalamazoo-area home on Dec. 17, four days after her electricity was shut off by Indiana Michigan Power. Her 63-year-old daughter, whom relatives described as mentally disabled, suffered injuries related to frostbite and exposure.

     The plan would:

• Prohibit utilities from shutting off a senior's utilities in the winter and require them to work to ensure that those with mental disabilities don't have their utilities shut off.
• Require utilities to give customers at least 15 days notice before shutoff and notify them in person or by certified mail, and give low-income customers who are part of the Winter Protection Program 30 days to pay their delinquent bill before shutting off service.
• Mandate that utilities visit the home of a senior customer who has not restored service within three business days to tell them how they can resolve the situation.