Public utilities: electric utilities; approval of sale, assignment, transfer, or encumbrance of utility assets; modify factors. Amends sec. 6q of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6q).

SB 627 requires electric utilities regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission to obtain prior approval before selling, transferring, or merging assets. The bill modifies existing rules by mandating detailed applications - including financial data, rate impact assessments, and hydroelectric facility requirements - and sets a 180-day review timeline for the commission. It directs the commission to evaluate proposals based on impacts to customer rates, service reliability, capital needs, and public interest, while allowing for protective measures on confidential business information. This procedural change directly affects all jurisdictional electric utilities in Michigan seeking to alter ownership or asset control.