The surcharge will begin appearing on SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY bills in July and will cost the average residential customers $0.0152 (one and a half cents) per hundred cubic feet (Ccf) or therm of natural gas, or approximately $15 a year. This is a charge mandated by the State of Michigan. SEMCO ENERGY does not profit from collection of these charges.
The Energy Optimization program (Public Act 295) is intended to
encourage energy conservation and provide resources to help customers use energy more efficiently by promoting energy optimization and the use of renewable fuels in the state.
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) required utilities to file plans detailing how they will comply with the requirements of Public Act 295. SEMCO ENERGY plans to turn this money over to the Independent Energy Optimization Program Administrator selected by the State of Michigan. This administrator will design and offer energy optimization programs for customers of participating utilities. Ultimately customers who choose to take advantage of these programs are likely to use less energy and consequently their energy consumption should be lower.
The purpose of these pipelines is to transport the natural gas from pipeline supply points to residential, commercial and industrial customer meters. SEMCO is committed to ensuring these pipelines are operated safely and reliably.
According to National Transportation Safety Board statistics, pipelines are the safest method for transporting these products (natural gas, petroleum, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other materials). Pipelines have a safety record unparalleled by any other mode of transporting energy products.
As part of SEMCO's continuing effort to maintain the reliability and integrity of its pipelines, prevent incidents from occurring and respond to emergencies, SEMCO has developed and maintains good communication networks with state and local emergency officials in Michigan. SEMCO meets with emergency officials in your area to discuss emergency preparedness and response plans to prepare for various scenarios.
SEMCO provides natural gas emergency training and specialized equipment to a majority of emergency response organizations and, when necessary, participates in joint response planning with local, state and federal emergency responders.
You are responsible for "customer-owned lines," or the lines between the meter and your appliance. This includes underground lines on your property to yard lights, pool and spa heaters, garages, workshops and similar areas. Please make it a routine to check all gas lines for leaks or corrosion.
Here are some signs to look for when you suspect a leak:
Blowing or hissing sounds
Brown patches of vegetation on or near a right-of-way
Bubbling water at a pond, creek or river
Gas odor
Dry spot in moist earth
If you suspect a hazard, leave the area and call SEMCO immediately at 1-888-GAS-1-GAS (1-888-427-1427). A trained technician will check the line and shut off your gas supply, if a safety hazard exists.
After you have a qualified heating or plumbing contractor make the necessary repairs to your customer-owned lines, a SEMCO technician will restore your gas service. SEMCO does not offer repair service on customer-owned lines.
