FIGHTING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT - II

Ok, here I go again...just received my latest bill from DTE. I am ticked off again!!!!

Do you know what a UETM surcharge is? It’s on the back of your utility bill...

On their website, this is how DTE defines it:  A surcharge that allows MichCon to recover costs from uncollectible debt expense. This surcharge is based on the amount of gas you use during the billing period.

Do you know what this means? That for all those “illegal” hookups and for all those who walk away and never pay their bills - we are paying!!!

These Public Utilities ANNUALLY go before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) requesting these UETM charges.

Well, we (the public) are allowed input:  “A member of the public who wishes to make a statement of position without becoming a party to the case may participate by filing an appearance. To file the appearance, you must attend the hearing and advise the presiding Administrative Law Judge of your wish to make a statement of position.”

LOCATION: Michigan Public Service Commission

6545 Mercantile Way, Suite 7

Lansing, Michigan 48909

PARTICIPATION: Any interested person may attend and participate.

The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold public hearings to consider requests to amend natural gas distribution rates to increase its gas distribution revenues.

In my opinion, if a “Public Utility” is asking me to pay for someone else’s bill then that “Public Utility” should NOT have executives taking home HUGE paychecks.

When my husband was reviewing the back of our bill the “Usage History - Average per Day” section showed KWH under the Gas column and CCF Usage under the Electric column??? (My guess is that the utility company pink-slipped regular employees and hired temporary employees to type up the back of their bills, thus the inaccuracy - not like regular employees haven’t been cut before to save costs...)

One thing I intend to check out on Monday is why this month’s bill has two, count em two, UETM charges, one for 2009 and one for 2010??? What’s on your bill???? 

Oh Lordy, here I go again. And so the journey begins...