FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Dec. 2, 2005
Contact: Dan Farough
Phone: (517) 373-2093
LANSING - A day after state regulators approved a rate hike of up to 47 percent - or an average of up to $62 a month - for Consumers Energy customers, Detroit Democrats are renewing their call for action on an emergency energy plan that will help families get through the winter without their heat being turned off.
"The winter season in Michigan is incredibly harsh and we can't allow the heat to be turned off in our residents' homes," said State Representative Bill McConico (D-Detroit). "A house without heat is extremely dangerous. With this plan, we can help keep our struggling families warm throughout winter."
The legislation, called Winter Assistance and Relief for Michigan (WARM), will:
- Ban utility companies from shutting off heat service through March 31, 2006;
- Provide additional funding for energy assistance funds;
- Give the Michigan Public Service Commission the power to shift $5 million from research into a fund to help people pay heating bills;
- Set up a database to coordinate volunteers willing to help with winterization efforts; and
- Give residents a tax deduction if they winterize their homes.
"Many Michigan families have a tough time making ends meet with the cost of gasoline, groceries, heating bills, and in some cases, prescription drugs," Rep. Marsha Cheeks (D-Detroit) said. "We must pass this legislation to help families deal with their bills this winter."
"Consumers Energy is not the only company raising prices," said Rep. LaMar Lemmons III (D-Detroit). "Other energy companies are raising prices this winter, which means everyone in Detroit and throughout Michigan will be affected. We must have proper tools in place to help our struggling families."
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced in October that natural gas heating bills this winter are expected to jump 46 percent, or an average of $59 a month. The average monthly winter bill in 2005-06 is projected to be close to $200, the MPSC reported.
"Not only will our families benefit from the financial assistance, but they will have the opportunity to learn how to winterize their home," said Rep. Gabe Leland (D-Detroit). "Learning how to winterize your home is a benefit that will last a long time for our residents."
"This legislation is proactive and it gives us a chance to help our residents cope with the high energy bills," Rep. LaMar Lemmons Jr. (D-Detroit) said.