Public utilities: consumer services; eligibility for utility power outage credits; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 9f.

Michigan House Bill 4974, introduced on September 17, 2025, aims to amend the Public Service Commission Act by adding Section 9f. This amendment seeks to establish clear criteria for consumers to qualify for utility power outage credits, ensuring that customers are fairly compensated during prolonged power outages. The bill is currently pending in the House Energy Committee. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/MI/bill/HB4974/2025?utm_source=openai))

The bill has garnered support from consumer advocacy groups who view it as a necessary step toward enhancing consumer protection and accountability among utility providers. They argue that clear eligibility criteria for outage credits will lead to more consistent and fair compensation for affected customers.

Some utility companies have expressed concerns that the bill could lead to increased operational costs and regulatory burdens. They argue that the proposed criteria might not account for the complexities involved in power restoration during severe weather events, potentially leading to disputes over credit eligibility.