Michigan Administrative Code › Department - Licensing and Regulatory Affairs › Public Service Commission › Consumer Standards And Billing Practices For Electric And Gas Residential Service › Part 7 - ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SHUTOFF PROTECTION PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS › Section R. 460.131 - Winter protection plan for eligible low-income customers

Current through Vol. 24-12, July 15, 2024
Rule 31.
(1)
				  Except where unauthorized use of utility service has occurred, a utility shall
				  not shut off service to an eligible low-income customer during the heating
				  season for nonpayment of a delinquent account if the customer pays to the
				  utility a monthly amount equal to 7% of the estimated annual bill for the
				  eligible customer and the eligible customer demonstrates, within 14 days of
				  requesting shutoff protection, that he or she has made application for state or
				  federal heating assistance. If an arrearage exists at the time an eligible
				  low-income customer applies for protection from shut off of service during the
				  heating season, the utility shall permit the customer to pay the arrearage in
				  equal monthly installments between the date of application and the start of the
				  subsequent heating season.
(2) A
				  utility may shut off service to an eligible low-income customer who does not
				  pay the monthly amounts referred to in subrule (1) of this rule after giving
				  notice in the manner required by these rules.
(3) If an eligible low-income customer fails
				  to comply with the terms and conditions of this rule, a utility may shut off
				  service after giving the customer notice, by personal service or first-class
				  mail, which contains all of the following information:
(a) The eligible low-income customer has
				  defaulted on the winter protection plan.
(b) The nature of the default.
(c) That unless the customer makes the
				  payments that are past due under this rule within 10 days of the date of
				  mailing, the utility may shut off service.
(d) The date on or after which the utility
				  may shut off service, unless the customer takes appropriate action.
(e) That the customer has the right to file a
				  complaint disputing the claim of the utility before the date of the proposed
				  shut off of service by calling the company.
(f) That the customer has the right to
				  request a hearing before a hearing officer if the complaint cannot be otherwise
				  resolved and that the customer must pay to the utility that portion of the bill
				  that is not in dispute within 7 business days of the date that the customer
				  requests a hearing.
(g) That the
				  customer has the right to represent himself or herself, be represented by
				  counsel, or be assisted by other persons of his or her choice in the complaint
				  process.
(h) That the utility will
				  not shut off service pending the resolution of a complaint that is filed with
				  the utility or the commission pursuant to these rules.
(i) The telephone number and address of the
				  utility where the customer may make inquiry, enter into a payment plan or
				  settlement agreement, or file a complaint.
(j) That the customer should contact a social
				  services agency immediately if the customer believes he or she might be
				  eligible for emergency economic assistance.
(k) That the utility will postpone shut off
				  of service if a medical emergency exists at the customer's residence and the
				  customer provides the documentation as specified in
				  R
				  460.147.
(l) That the utility may require a deposit
				  and restoration charge if the utility shuts off service for nonpayment of
				  winter protection monthly amounts.
(m) That the utility will not shut off
				  service if the customer or the spouse of the customer is on active military
				  duty.