How to get a utility bill credit for outage or damage - 3 types are available

Power outages and interruptions happen. If they happen often enough or for long enough you could be eligible for compensation from DTE and Consumers Energy. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Service Quality and Reliability Standards requires utility companies to compensate customers for losses associated with power outages. Rules regarding outage service credits and eligibility requirements can be found in the MPSC’s Service Quality and Reliability Standards. These standards provide customers a $25 credit upon request if the utility’s investigation of your request determines you have experienced a qualifying outage.
​There are 3 types of available credits:

1. Catastrophic conditions A customer is eligible for a credit under catastrophic conditions if the utility fails to restore service within 120 hours. A catastrophic condition is defined as an event that results in an official state of emergency or an event that results in an interruption, of 10 percent or more, of a utility’s customers. Customers need to notify their electric utilities of the outage. 
2. Normal conditions A customer is eligible for a credit under normal conditions if the utility fails to restore service within 16 hours after an outage resulting from conditions other than catastrophic conditions. Customers need to notify their electric utility of the outage. 
3. Frequent repetitive interruptions A customer is eligible for a credit for repetitive interruptions if experiencing more than seven interruptions in a 12-month period. Customers need to notify their electric utility of all service outages.

As a customer you need to complete the following steps:

• record the date and time of each outage
• record when the company was notified of the outage, and how the company was notified
• document when the service was restored.
• File your claim with DTE or Consumers Energy 

​To file a claim for damages caused by an outage with DTE you need a different claim form. Consumers Energy may use the same form as for outages. When the damage is caused by an act of nature—such as a storm, wind or lightning—the utility is not legally responsible. Check with your homeowner’s, renter’s or business insurance policy to see if your losses are covered. Most are, minus the deductible.
An investigation will be conducted and a decision will be rendered within 30 days. Your claim will be summarily denied if: 

• You are not the customer of record or the owner of the damaged property.
• Storms/Outside Interference - the utility will not be responsible for damages or losses resulting from weather-related conditions.
• Equipment Failure - The utility will not be responsible for damages or losses beyond their control unless it fails to exercise reasonable care and skill in furnishing the service.

You don’t have to wait for an outage to save on your utility bills. Here are some “semi-secret” discounts available, if you ask.

---