Linda Keefe, a former Ingham County commissioner, told the Lansing City Council on Jan. 6 that many customers of the municipally owned Board of Water and Light have reported much higher bills following installation of new smart meters.

Keefe said the higher bills have resulted in shutoffs and reconnect fees for customers and that she has heard complaints stretching back at least a year. She also noted that BWL changed its policy to allow shutoffs during winter months. Keefe urged the council to address the concerns on behalf of city residents.

Why it matters: If billing changes and shutoff policies are affecting low-income households, council oversight of a municipally owned utility can be a pathway to seeking clarifications about billing practices, payment assistance and reconnection policies.