LANSING, MI (AP)-- State regulators have approved a 99-cent monthly fee to help Michigan residents pay their energy bills and avoid a shut-off.
The charge applies to all customers, starting in September, unless a utility opts out of the program. The Michigan Public Service Commission says only a few so far have declined to participate.
The money will be passed to the state of Michigan, which will help low-income residents pay their bills and avoid losing electricity, natural gas or propane, mostly in winter and early spring.
If a utility opts out of the program, it can't cut off power between November and April 15.
