The state of Michigan and its major utility companies offer programs to help its residents pay their energy bills in times of crisis. Some programs operate on an emergency basis, working only with people who are in immediate jeopardy of having their heat or electricity shut off. Other programs help people pay and manage their energy bills throughout the year.
Emergency Relief
The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) operates a state emergency relief program (SER) to help low-income people pay their heating fuel costs. The SER program assists with payments for many types of water and home heating fuel including natural gas, propane, heating oil and wood. As of March 2011, the maximum annual benefit amount for this program is $550 per household for those using natural gas and wood and $850 per household for those using a deliverable fuel source such as propane. The SER program also provides payment assistance of up to $1,100 annually for electricity bills.
Winter Protection Plan
Michigan utility companies that fall under the regulation of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) offer a Winter Protection Plan. This plan allows people to spread out their higher utility bill payments over the course of the winter months from November 1 to March 31. The minimum payment amount must be at least six percent of the customer's estimated yearly bill. At the end of March, the customer may owe a remaining balance on the bill, which can be paid in monthly installments from April to October.
Other Assistance
Consumer's Energy, a statewide utility, works in conjunction with the Salvation Army to offer the PeopleCare program to help residents pay their electric bills. The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) also offers one-time assistance for people in immediate danger of having their heat shut off due to nonpayment. DTE Energy, a major provider of natural gas services in Michigan also offers a Shut-Off Protection plan for its customers regardless of household size and income.
DHS and THAW Income Limitations
The assistance programs through DHS have income limits for qualifying. As of March 2011, monthly limits according to household size are as follows: one person, $1,954; two people, $2,555; three people, $3,156; four people, $3,757; five people, $4,357; six people, $4,960.
Also as of March 2011, the THAW annual income limits by family size are as follows: one person, $27,225; two people, $36,775; three people, $46,325; four people, $55,875; five people, $65,425.
Tags: March 2011, also offers, energy bills, five people, follows person
