MI HB6418

Creates a utility consumer participation board with 5 members appointed by the governor to oversee a utility consumer representation fund that provides grants to nonprofit organizations and local government units to participate in energy utility regulatory proceedings.

Requires energy utilities filing for cost recovery proceedings to remit annual payments to the fund based on their size and customer base, with amounts ranging from $100,000 to $900,000 adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index.

Establishes that fund disbursements support participation in Public Service Commission proceedings related to gas and power supply cost recovery, with one member of the board appointed from a list submitted by the Attorney General.

Increases board member remuneration from $100 per meeting to up to $250 per meeting and raises the annual cap from $1,000 to $10,000, and increases financial disclosure thresholds from $1,500 to $7,500 for board member eligibility requirements.

Requires the board to submit annual reports to legislature by July 1 and directs legislative committees to conduct a comprehensive review by September 30, 2019 and every three years thereafter regarding the relationship between costs and benefits of the consumer representation program.