Public utilities: rates; reduction of residential rates in correlation to personal property tax savings; require. Amends sec. 6a of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5880'26

Utilities must file rate applications with specific forms and instructions adopted by the commission, and the commission must notify utilities within 30 days if an application is incomplete.

Utilities cannot file a new general rate case for rate increases until 12 months after the previous application was filed.

Rate increases based on fuel costs require specific notice and a full hearing before being approved.

The commission is prohibited from authorizing any rate adjustment clauses that operate without notice and a full hearing.

The commission must issue a final order on rate applications within 10 months, or the application is automatically approved; this prevents indefinite delays in rate decisions.

Utilities implementing proposed rate increases before a final decision must refund customers with interest if the commission later orders lower rates.

Utilities must share savings from personal property tax exemptions with residential customers, requiring the commission to conduct reconciliation proceedings to determine the exact amount.

Small electric utilities (under 200,000 customers) may request revenue decoupling mechanisms to adjust for decreased sales caused by energy conservation programs.

The definition of 'utility' and 'electric utility' now explicitly excludes municipally owned electric utilities from certain provisions.