Landlord Information
As
a landlord, you have several options available to you regarding how you
want the power handled if you are ever in between tenants. These options are called RECONNECT OPTIONS, and they are as follows:
Reconnect Options
Landlords have two options available to them regarding how they want the electricity handled if they are ever in between tenants. These options are called RECONNECT OPTIONS. The landlord is responsible for selecting reconnect options with the MBLP for all properties within our service area that they own. If none are selected, power will be disconnected when requested by tenant.
No Auto Reconnect Option (formerly 0-0)
Selecting the No Automatic Reconnect option means that you never want the service to automatically go into your name if you have a vacant apartment/house, regardless of the situation. When your tenant calls to schedule a disconnect of their electricity, or if they are being shut off for non-payment of their electric bill, the MBLP will dispatch personnel to the meter and will shut it off. There will be no power. It is the landlord’s responsibility to advise their tenants to get electricity in their name for the apartment/house. There will be no service charge incurred by the landlord who selects the no auto reconnect option; however, if a landlord has this option on file and calls the BLP to have electricity reconnected on a one-time basis, the normal service charge of $35 (within Marquette city limits) or $40 (outside Marquette city limits) will be billed.
Always Auto Reconnect Option (formerly 1-12)
Selecting
the Auto Reconnection option means that electric service at the
apartment/house will automatically be put into the landlord’s name if a
tenant calls to schedule a disconnect and there will never be an
interruption in electrical service. When this option is selected, the landlord will be charged a $10 (within
The
MBLP does not inform landlords of any action by a tenant if the power
is in the tenant’s name, nor will the MBLP provide specific information
to the landlord regarding the tenant’s account. The only time a landlord will be contacted is if the tenant is being shut off for non-payment of their electric bill.
If
you currently have October through April (10-4) reconnect options
selected on any of your rentals, your reconnect options will
automatically be changed to Always Auto Reconnect UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE ON THE FORM and mail it to us no later than February 29, 2008. If you currently have No Auto Reconnect, your options will remain the same.
Tenant Shut-Off for Non-Payment
In
the event a tenant is scheduled to be shut off for non-payment of their
electric bill, the landlord will be notified by letter of such action. If
the landlord has Always Auto Reconnect selected, the electricity will
revert into the landlord’s name and be billed a service charge of
either $10 (within the
A deposit may be required for a landlord if they have a delinquent payment history with the BLP. Landlords are permitted to “float” multiple deposits between residential meters that are in their name. If a residential account is activated by the landlord and there are not sufficient deposits on file, a deposit (if required) may be billed, along with the appropriate service charge.
Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
The landlord has the right to inquire as to whose name electricity is in at any property the landlord owns within our service area. Specific information as to payment or usage history of an account that is not in the landlord’s name will not be divulged.
The landlord has the right, and is urged to periodically check with the MBLP as to the status of their reconnect options or if a change in reconnect options is needed.
The landlord must supply the BLP with a contact phone number and billing address, either their own or for a local manager. Any changes to this information must also be provided to the BLP.
The landlord is responsible for notifying the MBLP of all properties within our service area that they own and for choosing reconnect options for all houses/apartments. If no options are on file with the MBLP, power will be disconnected when requested by tenant.
The landlord is responsible for contacting the MBLP in the event of a sale of rental properties within our service area that they own.
MBLP Rights and Responsibilities
The MBLP has the right to bill the landlord any meter deposits and/or applicable service charges.
The MBLP is responsible for notifying the landlord, in writing, in the event a tenant is scheduled to be shut off for nonpayment when the landlord has the Auto Reconnect option.
Information for your Tenant
As
a service to your tenant, you may wish to advise them that the MBLP
offers next-day service (excluding weekends and holidays) to its
customers, with a cutoff time of 3:00 pm to schedule service for the
following day.
In most cases, the BLP no longer requires a meter deposit for new residential service for your tenants*. Your tenant may either call us or stop in our business office in person to request service. Also,
a Residential Service Request Form is available on our website
(www.mblp.org) and may be completed and either mailed or faxed to us. The following service charge can either be paid or will be billed to any new tenant account:
Within
$35 service charge $40 service charge
*A tenant may be required to pay a deposit if they have a delinquent payment history with us.
