- It's been less than six months since BWL's rate increases went into effect, prompting a bigger conversation about BWL's Winter Shut-Off Policy
- Watch video above to hear more details about that policy and what exemptions it comes along with.
Lansing neighbor Leslie Arnell said it’s time to address the BWL Shut-off rate, an issue she's experienced first hand.
“I went to turn the water on and it didn't come on, and I wondered why, but my case was easily remedied right off the bat,” Arnell said.
She knows it's harder for others to find a solution, especially in the Winter months. BWL said from Jan.1. 2025 until now, they've had more than 1800 shut offs due to non payment.
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Neighbors sound off on rate hikes during Lansing BWL meeting
“You know the last thing we want to do is turn off power, its not a good business plan,” said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley.
Peffley addressed concerns during Monday's Committee of the Whole meeting.
Up until 2023, the company did not have shut-offs in the Winter, but then they opted into Public Act 95, which required shut-offs, but also opened the door for about $2.4 million, in state funding, a year to help those experiencing shut-offs.
“The $2.4 million goes a long way in our service area to help those experiencing shut-offs,” Peffley said.
Peffley said there are exemptions.
“When the city has Cold Blue, we don't do shut-offs,” Peffley said. “We don't shut-off seniors in the Winter and those folks in the Winter Protection Programs, low income, they don't get turned off.”
