by The Bay City Times
Tuesday March 31, 2009, 3:56 PM

A plan to protect consumers from winter utility shutoffs passed its first test in the state House on Tuesday.

State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, and Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, announced the House approved a package of bills that will protect Michigan residents by reforming the way Michigan utilities handle shutoffs. The plan now moves to the Senate.

"This comprehensive plan will ensure that Michigan residents are not left out in the cold," said Mayes, chairman of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "We've seen too many tragedies already. I will not stand idly by while our residents are forced to suffer through another winter at risk of having their utilities shut off without proper notification."

The plan bans winter utility shutoffs for seniors and low-income individuals who have sought assistance paying their bills, and bans the use of electric limiters for senior citizens and those with a known medical emergency.

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