A bill to amend 1939 PA 3, entitled “An act to provide for the regulation and control of public and certain private utilities and other services affected with a public interest within this state; to provide for alternative energy suppliers and certain providers of electric vehicle charging services; to provide for licensing; to include municipally owned utilities and other providers of energy under certain provisions of this act; to create a public service commission and to prescribe and define its powers and duties; to abolish the Michigan public utilities commission and to confer the powers and duties vested by law on the public service commission; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide for the continuance, transfer, and completion of certain matters and proceedings; to abolish automatic adjustment clauses; to prohibit certain rate increases without notice and hearing; to qualify residential energy conservation programs permitted under state law for certain federal exemption; to create a fund; to encourage the utilization of resource recovery facilities; to prohibit certain acts and practices of providers of energy; to allow for the securitization of stranded costs; to reduce rates; to provide for appeals; to provide appropriations; to declare the effect and purpose of this act; to prescribe remedies and penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 9t (MCL 460.9t), as added by 2013 PA 95.
Senate Bill No. 879, introduced by Senator Singh in 2024, aims to modify the 1939 PA 3 act concerning the regulation of public and private utilities in Michigan, with a specific focus on the low-income energy assistance fund. This bill outlines the creation, management, and utilization of this fund, which is designed to provide energy assistance to low-income households. Key aspects of the bill include:
The authorization for the state treasurer to receive and invest funds related to the low-income energy assistance program, with these funds remaining available beyond the fiscal year's end. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is tasked with auditing the fund, ensuring its proper management and use. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for managing the fund's expenditures in accordance with the Michigan Energy Assistance Act, ensuring that assistance is distributed effectively across the state. The bill mandates statewide access to energy assistance, requiring collaboration among relevant entities and education on available programs to ensure awareness and accessibility. Starting from October 1, 2027, DHHS is required to provide annual reports to legislative committees on the fund's distribution and usage. These reports must include details on the geographic allocation of funds, education efforts, and specific data for smaller utilities serving fewer than 45,000 retail customers. The bill also establishes a low-income energy assistance funding factor, which is capped at $1.00 per customer and $50 million annually. Utilities have the option to opt out under certain conditions, but those that do not opt out must report the number of customers contributing to the fund.
Introduced
by
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment
