Financial felp and assistance with electric, heating or utility bills in Michigan

Utility companies, the state, and federal government all offer utility bill assistance in Michigan. There are also some charity groups. The state of Michigan as well as federal government offer grants to pay energy or heating bills and there are free conservation measures from utility companies.

In addition, many of the Michigan utilities provide payment plans, disconnection prevention schemes, and free energy audits. Combining that financial aid with charitable support is very effective. There are many energy and utility bill programs listed below. In addition, most of the companies (or their non-profit partners) can refer low income customers to other resources as well, such utility disconnection laws in Michigan, and more.

Government energy assistance programs in Michigan

Home Heating Credit (LIHEAP in Michigan)
Michigan offers a tax credit (which is a direct savings to lower your tax return) that will help reduce the high costs of natural gas or electricity that you may use to heat your home in the winter. The tax credit is based on household income and family need, the number of exemptions the filer claimed, and it also factors in the home's true heating costs. This credit can go a long way towards providing assistance in today’s world of high electric bills.

The State Emergency Relief (SER) will assist lower income households who are experiencing an emergency that threatens either their safety or health.

 

 

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Michigan's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a program funded by the federal government that assists lower income residential customers. The program will provide free home energy conservation advice and services to lower income Michigan renters and homeowners. These services will help lower energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more secure and self-sufficient households. Services are typically administered by local Community Action Agencies and services provided include:

• Attic Insulation and Ventilation
• Wall Insulation
• Foundation Insulation
• Air Leakage Reduction
• Smoke Detectors
• Dryer Venting

Read more on weatherization programs. Click here.

Arrearage forgiveness and fee and deposit waivers
Provided by utilities that participate in the Michigan’s positive billing system and other payment plans. This includes most utility companies. Under the positive billing assistance plan, a participating household must pay a percentage of its monthly assistance grant to its utility company for bills.

 

 

Winter Protection Plan
This plan will protect seniors, and customers facing a financial hardship of all companies, including commission-regulated natural gas and electric companies, rural electric cooperatives and also alternative electric suppliers from natural gas or electric service shutoff and high utility payments between December 1 and March 31 of each year.

Financial help from utility companies

Consumers Energy
PeopleCare Program
The PeopleCare program, which started in 1983, is a partnership between the Salvation Army and Consumers Energy in order to help Michigan consumers who may not qualify for other utility bill assistance but are struggling to make ends meet regardless. Charitable donations allow The Salvation Army to extend significant help and assistance to families. The help provided ranges from medical needs, food, to advice to reduce utility bills and heating bills. Consumers Energy corporation also donates PeopleCare bill credits to it gas and electric customers facing hardships and who may need help. Read more Consumer Energy assistance programs.

Consumers Energy - The PeopleCare aid program help Michigan residents who do not qualify for other assistance with utility or energy bills. This will provide those in need with help paying bills.

DTE Energy - This utility company provides services to almost 3 million people across Michigan. They order several different assistance programs to people who are struggling. Learn more on your options.

An Affordable Payment Plan is also for DTE customers. This will help them pay older heating or gas bills. It also uses donations to offer a more affordable payment to the Michigan household going forward as well. More on DTE Energy Affordable Payment Plan.

Indiana Michigan Power - For struggling customers who live in Indiana, they can apply for the Energy Share program. It gives grants and money to pay heating and utility bills. The service is run in partnership with community action agencies. Read more.

Lansing Board of Water & Light - Pennies for Power Program will prevent utility bill shutoff for those in need. It is a program that relies on donations from families in Michigan and all of the funds are then provided to low income families. More on assistance from Pennies for Power.

 

 

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW)
This program is run by an independent nonprofit organization. The THAW organization distributes funds for utility bill-payment assistance across the state and it also promotes weatherization, energy conservation, and energy conservation education. THAW partners with most utility and gas companies, who provide the funding to operate and administer the aid program.

Tri County Electric - People Fund provides cash grants to help with paying various bills, including utility, heating, and other energy costs Other aid may be received through this program as well. Read more.