The Michigan Public Service Commission today established the Low-Income Energy Resources Task Force to examine issues related to energy affordability for Michigan's utility customers, and is seeking the participation of interested persons.  The first meeting of the task force will take place on Friday, March 20.

"With upward pressure on electric and natural gas utility rates, now is the time to for the Michigan Public Service Commission to examine how to make energy more affordable for its utility customers," said Commissioner Monica Martinez.  "Low-income and unemployed customers pay a larger share of their income to pay for natural gas and electricity.  The task force created today will study and develop both short-term and long-term policies and programs to address this affordability issue."

The task force's goal will be to ensure that Michigan is doing all that it can to efficiently use federal, state, and private funds available for low-income and senior citizen customer assistance programs.  Those who volunteer to assist the task force will develop recommendations for low-income utility rates aimed at Michigan households and examine policies for the optimization of low-income customer's energy usage. 

The task force will examine the following:

·         Making energy bills more manageable by offering a flexible payment options or determining customer specific affordable payment amounts.

·         Reducing customer costs by lowering or eliminating charges associated with making a payment, reconnecting service, and assessing interest on late payments.

·         Removing barriers to obtaining or retaining service by modifying deposit policies, allowing former customers to pay prior bills in installments, and offering arrearage forgiveness plans.

·         Determining the amount and effect of an affordable low-income utility rate.

·         Evaluating the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding, as required by MCL 460.10s, which requires the Commission to monitor the extent to which federal funds are available for low-income and energy efficiency assistance programs.

·         Examining eligibility restrictions for low-income assistance programs that may prevent aid to those most in need.

·         Identifying ways to coordinate the activities of government assistance programs, non-government assistance programs, and service providers to more effectively allow payment of low-income customers' utility bills.

MPSC is seeking volunteers from Michigan governmental bodies, energy providers, consumer groups and other interested persons to participate in the work of the task force.  The first meeting of the task force will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20, at the MPSC's Lansing office, located at 6545 Mercantile Way.

The meeting site is accessible, including handicapped parking.  Persons needing any accommodation to participate may contact the Commission's Executive Secretary at (517) 241-6160 in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Interested persons may also send letters or e-mails to the Commission's Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, 6545 Mercantile Way, Suite 7, Lansing, MI  48909.  E-mails should be addressed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov.  All comments should reference Case No. U-15918.  All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, available on the Commission's Web site, and subject to disclosure.

In today's order the MPSC also said today it intends to select a member of the MPSC staff to service as chairperson of the task force.

Case No. U-15918