More than a hundred recommendations were made for improvement by members of a Community Review Team after the debacle surrounding the Board of Water and Light's response during last December's ice storm that left up to 40% of the utility's customers without power for twelve days.

But while the leader of of the power company says he plans to impliment each and every one of those ideas, he also admits it's going to cost.

Photo:BWL)
Photo:BWL)
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The Lansing State Journal is reporting today that BWL General Manager Peter Lark took responsibility for the problems in communication and planning that left some in the dark for nearly two weeks.  An investigation found that power could have been restored 2-3 days sooner had their been a plan in place and information disseminated more quickly.

The report indicated that Lark indicated that any changes, though, would cost money and is asking for a $4 per month, per customer rate increase to offset the additional amount for improvements.

Lark, also targeted earlier to either resign or be fired for mismanagement in the December incident, received a vote of confidence last night when 3 of 4 members of a BLW Commissioner panel voted to keep him in the post for another year.

The deal must be approved now by the full board.  That vote is likely to happen this summer.

Join Jo Anne Paul and Steve Gruber weekdays from 5:30 to 9 AM on 1240 WJIM-AM and the Stations of the Michigan Talk Network.  Join the discussion by calling our hotline at (888) 900-9966!

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