Harrison
March 13th, 2008, 2:39 pm
AARP Michigan has joined a coalition opposing a package of legislation that would alter the state's utility rate and establish a new approval process for building power plants and generating electricity.
Consumer advocates say that the proposed changes would crease residential rates by $350 million, allow utilities to make rate hikes WITHOUT state approval, and require consumers to pay for power plant construction costs BEFORE the facilities are up and running.
"These bills would hamstring regulators and lead to higher rates for every electric customer in Michigan," says Felicia Wasson, ARRP associate state director for advocacy.
Lawmakers are expected to vote this spring on the six bills (HB 5520-5525).
To contact your representative to urge a NO vote, go to www.house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp (http://www.house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp). To learn more about the issues, visit www.customerchoicecoalition.com (http://www.customerchoicecoalition.com).
Harrison
Consumer advocates say that the proposed changes would crease residential rates by $350 million, allow utilities to make rate hikes WITHOUT state approval, and require consumers to pay for power plant construction costs BEFORE the facilities are up and running.
"These bills would hamstring regulators and lead to higher rates for every electric customer in Michigan," says Felicia Wasson, ARRP associate state director for advocacy.
Lawmakers are expected to vote this spring on the six bills (HB 5520-5525).
To contact your representative to urge a NO vote, go to www.house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp (http://www.house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp). To learn more about the issues, visit www.customerchoicecoalition.com (http://www.customerchoicecoalition.com).
Harrison