You do not have to get your utilites turned off in Michigan.
Winter presents its own set of challenges (e.g., driving and walking hazards). In states like Michigan where the temperatures often dip below freezing, winter can also create financial concerns for many of the state's residents who are struggling to pay their monthly utility bills. Help to pay utility bills is available for eligible residents through local utility companies and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
People Care Program
The People Care Program started providing utility bill assistance to Michigan residents in 1983. The program is sponsored by the Salvation Army and Consumers Energy. Credits are given to eligible gas and electric utility customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Nearly $1.5 million in energy bill credits were issued to Michigan residents in 2009. Consumers Energy expects to reward $1.5 million in bill credits in 2010 as well. Credits are based on the amount of income a family receives. For example, a household of one person that earns $11,929 or less a year qualifies for a $418 energy credit. A family of six that brings in $32,500 or less a year qualifies for a $1,138 bill credit. Residents needing support with their utility bills should call 1-800-477-5050 to see if they qualify for assistance through the People Care Program.
State Emergency Relief
Michigan's Department of Human Services administers the State Emergency Relief program. Recipients must demonstrate an immediate need for financial assistance to help pay their gas, wood, coal or electric bills. Eligibility is based on the applicant's income. For example, a person who earns $1,954 or less a month qualifies to receive support, as does a family of five with a monthly income of $4,357 or less. As of 2011, up to $550 of assistance is provided to help families pay for wood or natural heat. Up to $850 is provided for families that heat their homes using resources other than wood, such as gas. People who use electricity to heat their entire home can receive up to $1,100 in assistance. Payments are made directly to utility companies and are sent to keep a family from having their heat shut off.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Michigan's Weatherization Assistance Program is offered to low-income residents. Applications are received through county weatherization operator offices. Contractors are sent to qualifying residents' home to inspect for ways to lower energy costs, such as sealing cracks in windows and doors or installing insulation. The work generally results in a 20 to 25 percent reduction in utility bill expenses.
Working with Landlords
Renters should ask their landlord to inspect windows and doors in their apartment or home that they are renting for cracks in windows and doors. Homeowners should also consider doing these things. They should also make sure that furnaces and electrical appliances are operating properly. Tenants should let their landlord know that they want cracks and malfunctioning appliances repaired. Taking these steps will reduce cold drafts and decrease the amount of electricity required to operate household appliances, which will result in lower monthly utility bills.
Tags: utility bills, Care Program, People Care, People Care Program, windows doors, Assistance Program
