Bay City Electric Light & Power

New Electric Utility Shutoff Rules

On October 5 2009 the City Commission approved new utility shutoff rules. These rules follow closely the model rules proposed by the Shut-off Protection Workgroup of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA) and are intended to meet or exceed proposed legislation currently under consideration by the Michigan House and Senate. They are intended to ensure customer safety and to make sure elderly, low-income, and critical care customers are protected.
 

Major provisions of the proposed rules include:

1. No shut-offs for senior citizens during the Winter Heating season November 1^st through March 31^st.

2. No shut-offs for senior citizens on summer days when temperature forecasts are greater than 95 degrees.

3. Permit low-income customers falling behind on their bills during the winter months to work out a payment plan;

4. Provide shut-off protection for customers with certified medical conditions;

5. Prohibit use of electric-service limiters until the Michigan Public Service Commission establishes standards;

6. Provide notices that contain important information to customers prior to shut-off;

7. Detail when shut-offs may occur, allowing customers to take steps to restore power;

8. Attempt to contact known senior citizens after a shut-off occurs;

9. Supply customers with certain information regarding shut-off;

10. Make an effort to allow senior citizens to identify themselves to the utility;

11. Allow customers to name a third party to receive bills and shut-off notices for them.

12. Define senior citizens customers as being 65 years of age or older.

For a complete copy of these new rules access the following link: Electric Utility Shut-Off Rules.

Winter Protection Plan (WPP)

The Winter Protection Plan protects certain qualifying customers from service shut off and high payments during the winter (Nov. 1 through March 31).  Customers are responsible for electricity and water used, but some of the costs can be deferred.  Participation does not relieve customers from the responsibility of pre-existing balances or payment for the electricity and water usage; it only prevents shut off during the winter months.

Eligible customers may sign up for the Winter Protection Plan at any time during the year but will only receive shutoff protection for the period from November 1^st through March 31. 

You may be protected from a Utility Shutoff from November 1 through March 31 if you meet one of the following criteria:

• If you are 65 years of age or older

• If you are full time active military personnel

• If you have a physical or mental disability

• If you have critical care or a certified medical emergency

• If you receive assistance from a state emergency relief program, Medicaid, or food stamps.

• If you have a household income that does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty guidelines proof of income must be provided (ie: current tax forms) and you must comply with one of the following:

• The customer enters the utility’s equal monthly payment plan

• The customer and utility mutually agree to the payment of a specific amount

• Proof of income must be provided (ie: current tax forms)

• You must pay 7% of your estimated annual bill monthly; plus a determined monthly amount on any arrearages on the account.

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY YOU MUST CONTACT OUR OFFICE AND NOTIFY US THAT YOU MEET ONE OF THE ABOVE LISTED REQUIREMENTS.  PLEASE CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (989) 894-8104.
 

Please note customers not covered under the Winter Protection Plan can be shut during the winter months!

Electric Limiters are no longer an option for partial or limited service

Any attempt by the customer to restore service is DANGEROUS and unlawful and could lead to prosecution.

AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING EMERGENCY HELP

If you need assistance with your utility bill, please contact any of the organization providing emergency help.