MPSC Seeks Public Comments on State 9-1-1 Charge and Disbursement Percentages

LANSING, MI - Friday, March 6, 2009 - The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) yesterday said it is seeking public comments by 5:00 PM March 26th on the state 9-1-1 charge and disbursement percentages.

In December, Governor Granholm signed Public Act 379 of 2008, which, among other things, amends the funding provisions for 9-1-1 service and extends the time for the MPSC to review and adjust the state 9-1-1 charge and disbursement percentages.

The Commission notes that comments should be specific, detailed and may address the following:

• Should the state 9-1-1 charge be increased or decreased? If so, why, and what factors should affect this change?
• Should the disbursement percentages from Section 408(1) be modified? If so, how and why?
• Is it necessary to change both the state 9-1-1 charge and the disbursement percentages concurrently?

Comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Written comments should be mailed to the

Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission

P.O. Box 30221

Lansing, MI 48909

All comments should reference Case No. U-15552 and must be received by 5:00 PM on March 26th. All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, available on the Commission's Web site, and subject to disclosure.

Recently, the MPSC set Gogebic County's per line service charge at a ridiculously low 30 cents. Gogebic County E-911 requires AT LEAST a $1.05 surcharge just to continue service through Negaunee Dispatch through 2009. A ballot proposal in the May election will be asking Gogebic County voters to approve a $1.65 per line surcharge. A $1.65 surcharge would allow Gogebic County to maintain Negaunee service and it would allow the County make necessary equipment upgrades, repairs, and replacements.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.