2018 House Bill 5902 / Public Act 348

Allow lower utility rates for Dow-owned solar-cell maker

Introduced in the House

May 1, 2018

Introduced by Rep. Dan Lauwers (R-81)

To allow discounted electricity rates for the Hemlock Semiconductor company, which makes solar cells and is owned by Dow, Corning and a Japanese company. Current law prohibits cross-subsidization of regulated utility rates between residential and commercial/industrial customers (meaning residential customers pay more so that an industrial customer can pay less). The bill authorizes the state Public Service Commission to permit an exception for Hemlock, and going forward perhaps some other firms.

Referred to the Committee on Energy Policy

May 15, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 17, 2018

Passed in the House 77 to 31 (details)

Received in the Senate

May 22, 2018

Referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy, and Technology

Sept. 26, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Passed in the Senate 35 to 1 (details)

To allow discounted electricity rates for the Hemlock Semiconductor company, which makes solar cells and is owned by Dow, Corning and a Japanese company. Current law prohibits cross-subsidization of regulated utility rates between residential and commercial/industrial customers (meaning residential customers pay more so that an industrial customer can pay less). The bill authorizes the state Public Service Commission to permit an exception for Hemlock, and going forward perhaps some other firms.

Received in the House

Sept. 27, 2018

Oct. 2, 2018

Passed in the House 78 to 28 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Oct. 23, 2018