to excuse Representative Schroeder from the meeting.
Representative Markkanen moved to excuse Representative Schroeder from the meeting. There being no objection the motion prevailed by unanimous consent. The Chair laid HB 4477 before the committee: HB 4477 (Rep. Johnson) A bill to amend 1939 PA 3, entitled "An act to provide for the regulation and control of public and certain private utilities and other services affected with a public interest within this state; to provide for alternative energy suppliers; to provide for licensing; to include municipally owned utilities and other providers of energy under certain provisions of this act; to create a public service commission and to prescribe and define its powers and duties; to abolish the Michigan public utilities commission and to confer the powers and duties vested by law on the public service commission; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide for the continuance, transfer, and completion of certain matters and proceedings; to abolish automatic adjustment clauses; to prohibit certain rate increases without notice and hearing; to qualify residential energy conservation programs permitted under state law for certain federal exemption; to create a fund; to encourage the utilization of resource recovery facilities; to prohibit certain acts and practices of providers of energy; to allow for the securitization of stranded costs; to reduce rates; to provide for appeals; to provide appropriations; to declare the effect and purpose of this act; to prescribe remedies and penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts," by amending section 10a (MCL 460.10a), as amended by 2016 PA 341. Representative Steven Johnson and Representative Rabhi testified together in support of the bill. Questions and discussion followed. Marco Bruzzano, representing DTE Energy and Cathy Wilson, representing Consumers Energy, testified together in opposition to the bill. Major General Retired, Gregory Vadnais testified in support of HB 4477. Questions and discussion followed. Cory Connolly, representing the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, and John Hodge, representing Black and Veatch, testified together in support of the bill. Questions and discussion followed. Karyn Ferrick, representing the City of Grand Rapids, and Jack Johnson, representing the Grand Rapids Fire Department, testified together in support of the bill. Ed Rivet, representing the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, testified in support of HB 4477. Questions and discussion followed. John Freeman, representing the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, testified in support of HB 4477. The following people submitted a card in support of HB 4477, but did not wish to speak: Steve Murphy, representing the representing Power Home Solar. Charlotte Jameson, representing the representing the Michigan Environmental Council. Thomas Vine, representing the representing Viking Energy of Lincoln and McBain. Thomas Gilpin, representing the representing the Michigan Sierra Club. Ethan Jodain, representing the representing the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. Paul Stankewitz, representing the representing the Michigan Catholic Conference. Anne Kelly, representing the representing the Ceres/Bicep Network. Cami Pendell, representing the representing ABATE. The following people submitted a card in opposition of HB 4477, but did not wish to speak: Tanya Paslawski, representing the representing the Michigan Electric and Gas Association. Mike O’Brien, representing the representing Indiana Michigan Power. Jason Geer, representing the Geer, representing the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Katie Abraham, representing the representing the Michigan Municipal Electric Association. There being no further business before the committee, Rep. Joseph Bellino adjourned the meeting at 10:22 AM. Representative Joseph Bellino, Chair Melissa Weipert Committee Clerk mweipert@house.mi.gov