March, 2007

Battle Creek residents face highest gas rates in Michigan

BY PASTOR MARY GAULT

Citizens of Battle Creek, Mich., were outraged when the local newspaper informed them that their already appalling heating bills were a whopping 27 percent higher than anywhere else in the state. The citizens believed that the City had properly given control of negotiating gas rates to the Michigan Public Service Commission. The advantage for this is having a larger, more powerful, body acting on your behalf. When the energy company posted notice in the newspaper of a hearing, several of us determined that we should attend.

Beforehand, we began our research to be prepared to speak for the citizens who are struggling to heat their homes under such a burden. We found out that the State of Michigan doesn't have the jurisdiction to bargain for Battle Creek as the state is under "Home Rule." The city must negotiate with SEMCO Energy Corporation. We also found that SEMCO had not given the required 3-month notice to citizens about the hearing. There were other issues all connected to the legal determination of who can negotiate for the Battle Creek residents, and legal protection to prevent discrimination in the rates that are paid across the state.

Activists Pastor Mary Gault, Rev. William Stein, and John Kenefick attended the hearing for Battle Creek's gas customers in Lansing, Mich., Feb. 28, 2007. As we walked into the room there was surprise that anyone had come and a few were clearly uncomfortable with the camera and sound equipment brought to record the session. It was our intent to record this session so it could be aired on our local access television. The airing would inform our citizens and put pressure on our commissioners to correct the situation.

Rev. William Stein presented our case using the laws of Michigan concerning "Home Rule" and said that the City Commission of Battle Creek could not give up "Home Rule" without changing the City Charter through a 3/5 majority of the voters of Battle Creek. That has not occurred. He recommended that the City of Battle Creek pass a resolution stating that Battle Creek will match the rates and rules determined for the state by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Then the citizens would have the same rates statewide. This would give equal protection to all. The attorneys were all busy taking notes during Rev. Stein's presentation. On both cases the Judge ordered that both parties, the Michigan Public Service Commission and SEMCO Energy, include in their responses for the next session an answer to our jurisdiction concerns.

After the hearing the gas company's lawyer asked if Rev. Stein and I had talked with the city attorney. We stated no, and she said she planned on calling him to encourage him to talk with us. We are looking forward to that opportunity.