The bill amends Michigan's laws governing public utilities, particularly focusing on the approval 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 the bill establishes a timeline for the commission to notify utilities about the completeness of their applications. Additionally, it introduces a mechanism for utilities serving fewer than 1,000,000 customers to seek partial and immediate rate relief, along with specific timelines for the commission's response. The bill abolishes automatic adjustment clauses and prohibits certain rate increases without prior notice and hearings, enhancing consumer participation in the rate-setting process.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the approval of tariffs for customers involved in net metering or distributed generation programs, mandating that the commission must approve a tariff for these customers in any rate case filed after June 1, 2018, while exempting those already participating in the net metering program. It also requires the commission to conduct reviews of electric utility investment and maintenance distribution plans as contested cases, clarifying definitions related to utility proceedings. Notably, the bill specifies that "utility" and "electric utility" do not include municipally owned electric utilities and updates the numbering of certain subsections to reflect these changes. Overall, the amendments aim to improve transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in utility rate-setting.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 460.6