July 21, 2010
Bipartisan package designed to curb meter tampering, protect utility employees, contractors
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation designed to prevent energy theft through meter tampering and protect utility employees and contractors. The bipartisan package of bills aims to decrease unauthorized electric and natural gas utility service connections as well as protect consumers from increased costs related to energy theft.
"When individuals tamper with their connections or meters, every customer pays the increased cost of service to cover the losses," Granholm said. "This legislation will deter energy theft and protect people from unnecessary charges and risk of harm."
The legislation requires utility companies to use best practices to address unsafe connections caused by the unauthorized use of electric or natural gas service and allows them to take steps to deter future unauthorized use. It also makes it a crime for any person to sell or transfer electricity or natural gas to another person, knowing or having reason to know that the product or service was obtained unlawfully.
Additionally, the legislation sets penalties for the assault of a public utility worker or contractor who is performing his or her duties on the job. The offenses range from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years and a $10,000 fine for a worker's death.
Unauthorized connections and meter tampering can cause serious safety problems resulting in fires, explosions, electrocution injuries or even death. These illegal connections endanger the person making the wrongful connection and nearby persons and utility workers.
The bill package includes Senate Bill 1310, sponsored by Senator Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit); Senate Bill 1311, sponsored by Senator Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit); Senate Bill 1312, sponsored by Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren); Senate Bill 1313, sponsored by Senator Irma Clark-Coleman (D-Detroit); and Senate Bill 1314, sponsored by Senator Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek).
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