Michigan PSC opens comment on extreme-weather disconnection policies, calls for clearer temperature triggers

The Michigan Public Service Commission voted March 12 to invite public comment on utilities' extreme-weather disconnection policies under Michigan Administrative Code R 460.134.

Commissioner Peritic, during discussion of case U-20140, said the commission’s work should reflect the growing frequency of hot- and cold-weather events and the harms associated with extreme temperatures. "Ensuring that customers are protected from disconnection during dangerous weather conditions is crucial," Commissioner Peritic said, urging clearer temperature triggers, greater consistency across utilities, and improved transparency around activation of protections.

The order continues the commission's review of utility practices and explicitly solicits stakeholder input on recommendations developed by staff, which include clearer triggering temperatures, more consistent policies across utilities, and better publication of when protections are active. Staff presented the order and noted the commission’s consumer-standards authority under R 460.134.

The vote to approve the order inviting comments was unanimous. The order does not itself change disconnection rules but opens a formal comment period that could inform future rule updates or docketed policy changes.

Interested parties should submit comments as specified in the order and docket record. The commission's action is procedural at this stage: it invites evidence and stakeholder proposals rather than adopting a final regulatory change.