Spade offers bill to limit winter utility shutoffs

10/21/2005

TIPTON, Mich. State Rep. Dudley Spade (D., Tipton) is co-sponsoring legislation that would ban utilities from shutting off heat for nonpayment this winter.

The bill also would offer incentives to homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient.

Mr. Spade said that with record-setting natural gas prices expected this winter, many homeowners will not be able afford to keep their houses warm or pay their bills.

Under the proposed legislation, people who winterize their homes and buy energy-efficient appliances could get 50 percent of their expenses back in tax credits, up to $2,500.

The shutoff ban would run from Dec. 1 to March 31, Mr. Spade said.