SEGMENT 4: AMERICA ON THE BRINK Part VI

MICHIGAN...
TEST CASE FOR THE END OF 
AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

IF YOU DON'T LIKE SOMEONE, TURN OFF THEIR HEAT 

IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER...

AND THEY WILL FREEZE TO DEATH. 

NOT IN AMERICA YOU SAY? YES IN AMERICA...

and Michigan is the starting place.

Consumer protection laws and regulations on heating and utility disconnections.

Most states have laws, rules, and regulations in place that determine when an electric, gas, water, or utility company may disconnect a customers service. Most of the laws put into place by states are intended to protect the elderly, families with children, disabled, and people with medical conditions. It is often illegal for a utility company to disconnect customers under certain conditions. For example, during the winter or summer disconnections are often limited as to when they can occur, as well as during extreme weather events and temperatures. Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider state laws usually regulate that a disconnection can’t occur.

Examples of state regulations - Get more information on what protections customers have in place as well as when it may be illegal to disconnect a customers utility or heating service. While the rules and regulations will vary by state, there are many common characteristics. Find some common examples of consumer rights for utility disconnections.

Additional details on specific state laws are below. However the regulations are constantly changing. Do not hesitate to ask a local non-profit community action agency, a pro-bono law firm, or your utility provider for the latest rules.

What to do if illegal disconnection

After reviewing the laws that your state may have in place to protect customers from illegal heating and utility disconnections, if you think the utility company is not following the regulation, then you can take action. All states have law firms that provide free legal advice on disconnections, and attorneys can advise you on your rights and help you get your power back on. Find free legal adviceon dealing with utility and heating service disconnections.

Michigan - Winter Protection Plan is in effect from November to March for elderly 65 years or older, recipients of Food Stamps, Medicaid, or Department of Human Services cash assistance, full time active military personnel or persons needing critical medical or health care or having a certified medical emergency. Households must be enrolled in a payment plan. In addition, year-round protection from shut-off is available to all residential customers regardless of their household income with an initial down payment of 10 percent of a customer's total utility or heating bill and a monthly budget plan. Disconnection delay is also called for of 21 days with medical certificate if health of household member would be adversely affected from the disconnection. Certification may be renewed another 42 days. Due date for utility bills extended to 22 days.