June 7, 2005

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today announced that four of its consumer alerts are now available in Spanish.

“It is the MPSC’s responsibility to make sure Michigan residents are aware of programs designed to assist customers in dealing with their utilities, so we are pleased to provide Spanish-speaking utility customers with helpful information,” said MPSC Chairman J. Peter Lark.  “The four consumer alerts available in Spanish are among the most-requested consumer alerts issued by the Commission.”

“As a Hispanic member of the MPSC, I am pleased that the Commission took the initiative to reach the Spanish-speaking residents of Michigan,” added Commissioner Laura (Vargas) Chappelle.

The four consumer alerts translated into Spanish are:

• Existe Ayuda Disponible con Algunos Problemas del Servicio Publico Llamando al Numero Gratuito de "Michigan Public Service Commission"   (Help In Dealing With Some Utility Problems is Available by Calling the MPSC's Toll-Free Number)

• El Programa de Ayuda Telefonica "Lifeline" Puede Proporcionar Ahorros  (The Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program Can Provide Savings)

• ¡Reglamentos contra el cambio de compañía telefónica sin autorización (slamming) protegen a los consumidores!   (Anti-Slamming Rules Protect Consumers!)

• Califica para el "Home Heating Credit" del 2004  (Are You Eligible for the 2004 Home Heating Credit?)

The Spanish consumer alerts are available on the MPSC’s Web site: michigan.gov/mpsc, or by calling the Commission’s toll-free phone number:  1-800-292-9555.  

The Commission’s Web site also contains a link to the Federal Communications Commission’s Spanish Web pages.

In a continuing effort to reach all Michigan residents with helpful information, the Commission has plans to translate other consumer alerts in the coming months.

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