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Consumers Energy's Winter Assistance Program

As the chill of winter begins to set in Michigan, Consumers Energy has taken significant steps to support customers who might struggle to pay their heating bills this season. The utility company, which serves approximately 6.8 million residents, is gearing up to assist eligible households through its Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden of winter heating expenses for those in need.

Program Overview

The CARE program is part of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) and is designed to offer eligible customers affordable payment options to maintain their energy services. Customers who qualify will benefit from a structured payment plan that ensures their monthly energy bills remain manageable while also reducing any existing overdue balances.

Brian Lewis, the Senior Executive Director of Customer Experience and Programs at Consumers Energy, stated, “We are committed to ensuring these much-needed dollars are available to our customers most in need. By connecting our most vulnerable customers with the resources to stay on top of their energy bills, we are advancing energy equity for all Michiganders.”

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility for the CARE program includes several criteria:

• - You must be a current Consumers Energy electric or gas customer.
• - Your household income should be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI).
• - You should not have unresolved theft, fraud, or bankruptcy issues.
• - The account address must be either your primary residence or a responsible third party authorized to apply on your behalf.

Additionally, households already receiving state assistance may automatically qualify for CARE, making it an invaluable resource for many residents.

Important Updates to the Program

Recently, Consumers Energy has expanded eligibility criteria, allowing more customers to access the CARE program. Notably, a prior application for State Emergency Relief (SER) is no longer required for all applicants. However, those experiencing a crisis, such as past-due notices or low fuel levels, may still need to apply for SER before accessing MEAP benefits.

CARE enrollment is currently open and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested customers with overdue balances have the option to apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) via newmibridges.gov.

Additional Assistance and Resources

Participants in the CARE program might also qualify for free energy efficiency upgrades for their homes through the Helping Neighbors Program. These enhancements aim to lower energy costs by improving home efficiency. For further details, individuals can reach out at 877-448-9433 or visit ConsumersHelpingNeighbors.com.

Moreover, residents can also gain assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). They have raised financial caps for customers applying for SER, making it easier for residents at 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to receive help. Specifically, this includes:

• - Up to $600 for electric and gas customers to cover shut-off amounts.
• - An increased cap of $900 for all-electric households.

Starting from January 1, qualified customers may also apply for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) through the Michigan Department of Treasury, which averages around $250 for households with incomes below 110% of the FPL, regardless of tax filing.

Conclusion

As Michigan braces for winter, Consumers Energy stands ready to support its customers through these challenging times. By providing essential resources and assistance, the CARE program ensures that families can maintain safe and warm homes throughout the cold season. For more information about available resources and assistance options, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance.

Overall, Consumers Energy is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its customers at all times. With programs like CARE, the company demonstrates its commitment to community support and energy equity.