Get Energy to Build Sites Efficiently
HBA Joint Utility/Builder Council
Getting Energy to Your Build Sites More Efficiently—HBA Joint Utility/Builder Council Formed—Getting energy to a build site can, at times, be the most frustrating aspect of constructing a new home for many builders. For several years now your state and local associations have worked to quickly resolve any problems and delays experienced by members. If you are having a problem getting service to one of your sites, don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can intervene on your behalf.
Additionally, your state HBA team has been working behind the scenes meeting with utility companies and the Michigan Public Service Commission to develop new processes and systems that will improve future service connection requests. Several builders and contractors from around the state, along with HBA staff, have been meeting with DTE and Consumers Energy officials over the past year to examine and propose changes to the current system. Both utilities, for example, are now in the process of developing new online tools for builders to track where their service requests stand.
As a result of the council’s work, one utility has expedited their timeline and will launch such a system later this year. There has also been an agreement to start providing builders 24-hour notice when an installation will occur. Currently, builders are generally given a two week window on when service might be installed. Such a window will still be provided, but the new 24-hour notice (once implemented) should help alleviate site impediments to getting service installed. Additional issues are being identified so if you want to find out more about this work or are interested in providing your input, contact our state association CEO,
Bob Filka
, at 517-646-2555.
