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LANSING – A day after state regulators approved a rate hike of up to 47 percent – or an average of up to $62 a month – for Consumers Energy customers, Oakland County Democrats are renewing their call for action on an emergency energy plan that will help families get through the winter without their heat being turned off.

 "With home-heating costs projected to be so high this winter, we can't simply cut off heat to families who get behind on their bills in the dead of winter," said State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak). "This legislation helps ensure that we are prepared to help people cope with expensive heating bills."

 The legislation, called Winter Assistance and Relief for Michigan (WARM), will:

 

• Ban utility companies from shutting off heat service through March 31, 2006;
  
• Provide additional funding for energy assistance funds;
  
• Give the Michigan Public Service Commission the power to shift $5 million from research into a fund to help people pay heating bills;
  
• Set up a database to coordinate volunteers willing to help with winterization efforts; and
  
• Give residents a tax deduction if they winterize their homes.

 "Michigan residents who are living on a fixed income are especially vulnerable during the winter months," said State Representative Aldo Vagnozzi (D-Farmington/Farmington Hills). "Cold weather often brings unexpected expense, and now we've been warned that gas rates will skyrocket. With such a dramatic cost increase, we have to make sure our families have access to home-heating assistance."

 The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced in October that natural gas heating bills this winter are expected to jump 46 percent, or an average of $59 a month. The average monthly winter bill in 2005-06 is projected to be close to $200, the MPSC reported.

 "While we expect the federal government to step up to the plate and help with heating costs, we're not going to wait to offer the people of Michigan protection," said State Representative Paul Condino (D-Southfield). "Winter is nearly upon us; House Democrats agree that the time to act is now."