Michigan electricity prices jump, Flint utilities face a new crisis
- August 3, 2021
A recent surge in electricity prices for Flint residents has sparked a state utility to launch a program that will reimburse customers who can’t afford the increase.
The Flint Energy Department has agreed to reimburse customers $5.75 per month for their electric bills.
The utility said the plan is a temporary measure and will likely be phased in over the next few weeks.
“It’s a temporary payment,” said Flint Utilities CEO Kevin Krasnow.
“We’ll continue to look at that as part of our ongoing effort to try to keep people safe.”
The program will apply to all customers in Flint who are on fixed-price contracts.
Kraswold said the goal is to encourage people to stay connected.
“Our goal is not just to keep the lights on,” he said.
“Our goal here is to make sure that when we don’t have a backup plan, people have the resources to take that next step.”
The department says the program will help Flint residents avoid long-term utility bills and is part of a larger plan to improve the energy infrastructure of Flint, Michigan.
Flint had been under a water crisis that resulted in millions of dollars of damages to homes, businesses and infrastructure.
The city is now recovering from that crisis and has started to make significant investments in its water infrastructure.
