Now that the utilities have been cleared to expand their Value Added Programs and Services, such as the Appliance Service Program, the Michigan Public Service Commission is responsible for the implementation of the Code of Conduct. Utility competition will now become a very substantial threat to our industry.

MIACCA is committed to making sure our industry needs and concerns are represented so on Friday, May 24, 2019 MIACCA President Bill Krestakos, MIACCA Executive Director M.J. D'Smith, MIACCA members Doug Young of Behler-Young and Brad Bartholomew of Bartholomew Heating & Cooling along with MEECA Executive Director David Gard met with the Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman Sally Talberg and her staff to address these important issues:

1. Value Added Products and Services (VAPS)
a. Currently no rule or directive as to classifying information as confidential

2. DTE/Consumer Annual Reports a. Unredacted Reports to be public

3. Code of Conduct Section 2 under 460.10ee
a. Who decides if the new product or service offerings will harm or unduly restrain free trade in an unregulated market?
b. What is the process to challenge a regulated utilities product or service offering prior to that offering?
c. How cost prohibitive or restrictive will that process be?

4. Energy Ombudsman Vacancy 
a. Who is going to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct?

5. Midstream Rebates on Residential HVAC

The meeting was very well received by the MPSC staff and Chairman Talberg is already in the process of addressing these issues:

1) Ensuring transparency for stakeholders of new value-added program filings and annual reports so there is awareness and easy access by contractors/stakeholders;

2) Staffing to ensure adequate review of utility filings and overall compliance with code of conduct;

3) Clarify what can and cannot be filed as "confidential" for purposes of filings under COC

4) Ascertaining better understanding of utility plans for offering value-added services or products.  

MIACCA has offered any assistance that we can to help the MPSC address these issues in order to protect our industry.

This is just another way that we continue working hard for our members.