Public utilities: rates; disclosure of uses of increased revenue; require to be provided with rate increase requests. Amends sec. 6a of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6a).

HB 6131 amends state law to clarify the process public utilities must follow when requesting rate increases, ensuring they provide the Public Service Commission with specific evidence supporting their financial projections. The bill mandates that utilities coordinate with commission staff to avoid overlapping filings and requires the commission to notify interested parties and hold hearings before approving any changes that raise costs for customers. It also establishes strict timelines for the commission to review applications and grants utilities the ability to implement temporary rate increases while awaiting a final decision, provided they refund any excess amounts collected with interest if the final order is lower. Additionally, the legislation maintains existing protections against automatic fuel cost adjustments without proper notice and hearing, reinforcing the requirement for transparency in utility rate-making.