Section R. 460.149 - Access to rules and ratesRule 49.
(1) A utility, except for a rural electric cooperative, shall provide to each customer, within 60 days of commencing service, within 60 days after issuance of a new rate case order, and at least once each year, all of the following information with a copy to the commission: (a) A clear and concise explanation of all rates for which the customer may be eligible.(b) A notice that complete rate schedules are available upon request.(c) A notice of the availability of company assistance in determining the most appropriate rate if the customer is eligible to receive service under more than 1 rate.(2) A rural electric cooperative shall provide to each customer, at least annually, all of the following information: (a) A notice that complete rate schedules are available upon request.(b) A notice that a clear and concise explanation of all rates for which the customer may be eligible is available upon request.(c) A notice of the availability of company assistance in determining the most appropriate rate if the customer is eligible to receive service under more than 1 rate.(3) A utility, except for a rural electric cooperative, shall provide to each customer, within 60 days after the utility has filed a general rate case application with the commission, all of the following information:(a) A notice that the utility has requested that the commission change its rates.(b) A notice that copies of the utility's application are available for inspection at all offices of the utility and on the utilitys website.(c) A notice that an explanation of the proposed changes to the utility's rates is available from the utility upon request.(4) A rural electric cooperative shall provide to each customer, within a reasonable time after it has filed a general rate case application or a times interest earned ratio ratemaking application, all of the following information: (a) A notice that the cooperative has requested that the commission change its rates.(b) A notice that copies of the cooperative's application are available for inspection at all offices of the cooperative.(c) A notice that an explanation of the proposed changes to the cooperative's rates is available from the cooperative upon request.(5) A utility, including a rural electric cooperative, shall provide the notice required by this rule either through a publication that is transmitted to each of its customers by a bill insert, or whatever transmission method is used to provide the customer's bill and on its website.(6) Upon request, a utility shall assist the customer in selecting the most economical rate schedule based on information supplied by the customer; however, selection of the appropriate rate is the responsibility of the customer. Once the selection is made, the customer shall stay on that rate not less than 12 months unless the customer notifies the utility of permanent changes in the conditions of service that warrant a different rate schedule.(7) A utility shall keep on file, at all offices of the utility, and shall provide public access to, all of the following documents:(a) A copy of these rules.(b) A copy of all other rules of the utility filed with the commission regarding customer service.(c) Schedules of all residential rates and charges.(d) Proposed rate schedules.(e) Clear and concise explanations of both existing and proposed rate schedules.(f) An explanation of its power supply cost recovery or gas cost recovery process.(8) A utility shall post suitable signs in conspicuous locations at all bill payment offices that are operated by the utility or authorized agents calling attention to the fact that the rules, regulations, rate schedules, proposed rate schedules, explanations of rate schedules, and explanations of proposed rate schedules are on file and available for inspection. Upon request, a utility shall provide a copy of these rules, explanations, or schedules to a customer without charge.Mich. Admin. Code R. 460.149
2007 AACS; 2017 MR 22, Eff. 12/11/2017