The bill amends Michigan's laws governing public utilities, particularly focusing on the processes for rate increases and the responsibilities of the Public Service Commission (PSC). It requires utilities to obtain commission approval before raising rates or altering rate schedules that would increase costs for customers. Utilities must also coordinate with commission staff prior to filing rate cases and adhere to a timeline for the commission to assess the completeness of their applications. The bill allows for temporary rate increases under specific conditions, ensuring that customers are refunded any excess charges if the commission later finds the rates unjustified. Additionally, it abolishes automatic adjustment clauses that permitted rate changes without public notice and hearings, thereby enhancing transparency and customer involvement in the rate-setting process.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions for gas utilities serving fewer than 1,000,000 customers, allowing them to seek partial and immediate rate relief under certain circumstances. It also amends the law regarding rate cases filed after June 1, 2018, by requiring the commission to approve a tariff for customers in net metering or distributed generation programs, while exempting those already participating before the new tariff's establishment. The bill clarifies definitions related to utility proceedings and specifies that municipally owned electric utilities are not classified as "utility" or "electric utility." Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen regulatory oversight, protect consumer interests, and ensure fair treatment for customers involved in renewable energy programs.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 460.6