LANSING--- The Michigan House of Representatives gave final approval today to a multi-bill package to prevent energy theft and to protect citizens from unauthorized utility connections and workers who have to go out and disconnect these connections. Senate Bills 1310-1313 in the package were sponsored by Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit), Senator Irma Clark-Coleman (D-Detroit), Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit) and Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren), and were approved by the Senate in June.

“Unauthorized utility connections are dangerous and can cause damage, fires, and even the loss of lives,” said Senator Hunter. “These bills will help protect citizens and utilities from the problems these unauthorized connections cause.”

Senator Hunter’s Bill, Senate Bill 1310, requires a utility to use a best practices approach to prevent and stop energy theft and unauthorized hookups. If two unauthorized uses occur within 24 months, then a customer would have to provide proof of residence or the owner would have to give the utility information on the previous tenant. Before service is reconnected any past due bills and damages would have to be paid.

“Stealing power is just as serious as stealing from a store or a person, and it should be treated as such,” said Senator Buzz Thomas. “These new measures impose strict penalties necessary to deter energy theft and protect Michigan utility workers while they are simply trying to do their job. Any type of energy theft or physical attack on utility workers cannot be tolerated, and this legislation will send that message loud and clear.”

Senator Thomas’ bill, Senate Bill 1311, makes it a crime for a person to try to sell or transfer electricity or natural gas. A person convicted under this bill could face five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Senator Dennis Olshove’s bill, Senate Bill 1312, sets the sentencing guidelines for energy theft.

“Whether it’s a car, money or energy, we cannot allow people to take what’s not theirs,” said Senator Olshove. “We need to take strong measures to protect our energy resources, the people who legally pay for them, and the workers charged with distributing them. By increasing the penalties for people who illegally steal natural gas and electricity, we can curb this dangerous practice in our neighborhoods.”

Senator Irma Clark-Coleman’s bill, Senate Bill 1313, creates penalties for anyone assaulting a utility worker when that worker is performing his or her duties. A person could be convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony and face up to 10 years in prison and/ or a $10,000 fine for causing a worker’s death. Utilities covered under the bill include steam, gas, heat, electricity, cable TV, telecommunications service, and pipeline service. The bill covers utility workers who work for a public, municipal, private, and co-op utility.

“It is our job to protect the public and those whose jobs are essential to everyday life,” Sen. Clark-Coleman said. “Utility workers should have the same protections as postal workers and others who directly serve the community. Their families should not be burdened with worry about whether their loved one is coming home after a hard day's work.”

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