Bill Text: MI HR0063 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Michigan Public Service Commission to act quickly to prevent the recently proposed hikes in Michigan consumers' electric rates.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-03-31 - Referred To Committee On Judiciary [HR0063 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-HR0063-Introduced.html
Reps. McMillin, Cushingberry, Durhal, Genetski, Gregory, Griffin, Knollenberg, Kurtz, Lahti, Leland, Marleau, Moss, Rocca, Rogers, Roy Schmidt, Bettie Scott and Young offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 63.
A resolution to urge the Michigan Public Service Commission to act quickly to prevent the recently proposed hikes in Michigan consumers' electric rates.
Whereas, Nearly 4 million homes and businesses in Michigan depend on Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy to supply one of the most basic of consumer needs, electricity. Electricity is vital to every enterprise in Michigan. Reliable and reasonably priced electricity is critical to Michigan's future; and
Whereas, Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy recently proposed significant rate increases. Detroit Edison is proposing a $378 million rate increase, while Consumers Energy is proposing a $215 million rate increase. These are on top of rate increases that just took effect last year. In 2008, Detroit Edison's and Consumers Energy's electric rates increased by three to four percent; and
Whereas, Now is not the time to raise Michigan consumers' electric rates. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. More than 11 percent of Michigan residents are out of a job. Foreclosures are at an all-time high. Homeowner's taxes are going up, while their home values are receding. Our manufacturers and our businesses are struggling. The last thing Michigan consumers need is an 11 percent hike in their electric rates; and
Whereas, The proposed rate hikes can take effect automatically under a new state law if the Michigan Public Service Commission fails to act within six months of the requests being filed. In 2008, the commission reduced Consumers Energy's and Detroit Edison's electric rate increase requests by 60 and 71 percent respectively. Clearly, there is reason to think the utilities' current rate increase proposals are significantly higher than warranted. However, if the commission doesn't act within six months these dramatic rate increases can go into effect; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Michigan Public Service Commission to act quickly to prevent the recently proposed hikes in Michigan consumers' electric rates; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission.
