2002 Senate Bill 1499 / Public Act 609

Introduced in the Senate

Nov. 12, 2002

Introduced by Sen. Mat Dunaskiss (R-16)

To authorize the Public Service Commission to permit exemptions to an existing statutory rate freeze so utilities can raise bills to cover "enhanced security costs" incurred as a result of State or Federal regulatory requirements issued after September 11, 2001.

Referred to the Committee on Technology and Energy

Dec. 5, 2002

Passed in the Senate 30 to 4 (details)

To require the Public Service Commission to permit exemptions to an existing statutory rate freeze so utilities can raise bills to cover "enhanced security costs," including insurance increases, incurred as a result of State or Federal regulatory requirements issued after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.

Received in the House

Dec. 5, 2002

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology

Dec. 13, 2002

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one which allows but does not require the PSC to act on a utility's cost recovery request, removes increased insurance costs from the recoverable costs, exempts customers enrolled in utility choice programs from any rate increases, folds in the statutory changes previously proposed by Senate Bill 1498 as part of the same purpose, and clarifies the definition of "terrorism" to make it consistent with other statutes.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Samuel B. Thomas (D-10)

To extend the bill to cover certain publicly owned generating plants.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 87 to 7 (details)

To allow the Public Service Commission to permit exemptions to an existing statutory rate freeze so utilities can raise bills to cover "enhanced security costs" incurred as a result of State or Federal regulatory requirements issued after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 13, 2002

Passed in the Senate 31 to 0 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. John Engler

Dec. 20, 2002