The Michigan Public Service Commission established a funding factor of $0.99 per meter per month for the new Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund. Utilities that have elected to participate must begin collecting the nonbypassable surcharge for the September 2013 billing month. Utilities that opt out of collection of the surcharge may not shut off service to any residential customer from November 1, 2013, to April 15, 2014, for nonpayment of a delinquent account.
Background
On July 1, the Governor signed Public Act 95 of 2013, (SB284) creating the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) within the State Treasury. The Act provides that the Public Service Commission (PSC) may annually approve a low-income energy assistance funding factor no later than July 31 of each year for the subsequent fiscal year.
Electric utilities may elect not to collect the funding factor by annually filing a notice with the PSC. However, utilities that do not collect the funding factor may not shut off service to any residential customer from November 1 to April 15 for nonpayment of a delinquent account.
Special Note:
Utilities whose rates are regulated by the PSC and who opt to collect the surcharge must file a tariff sheet with the PSC reflecting the surcharge by August 28, 2013.
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