MI gov to sign bill restricting utility shutoffs

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Jennifer Granholm is preparing to sign legislation protecting Michigan utility customers from having their electricity and natural gas shut off.

The bill applies to municipal electric and natural gas utilities across the state.

It was prompted by the January death of Marvin Schur, a 93-year-old Bay City man who froze inside his home after Bay City Electric Light & Power installed a power-limiting device because of unpaid bills.

Bay County authorities in April decided not to file criminal charges after an investigation. The family has filed a civil suit against Bay City and the utility company.

Schur could afford to pay his bills but had no immediate family in the area to help him deal with the shutoff notices he was receiving.