HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — People trying to catch up on winter heating bills may find help in a partnership between Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office and Consumers Energy. Federal, state and local programs aim to get tens of millions to help households and small businesses pay heating bills.
“No one should go without warmth or comfort in their own home when they can have access to so many dollars here in Michigan, starting with a single phone call,” Nessel said in a joint statement emailed to media. “We know February’s brutal cold is leaving our friends and neighbors with high energy bills, but they should know they can take action now that can make a huge difference.”
“Consumers Energy is working right now to help many Michiganders who could use support due to the twin challenges of the pandemic and the cold snap,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “The new federal stimulus and other sources are making tens of millions of dollars available to help with energy bills.”
Bills people are getting this month reflect February’s heat needs.
People struggling with energy bills should call 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org — a free, statewide service that connects people with nonprofit agencies in communities across the state.
Other ways to get help
- Apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) at michigan.gov/mibridges.
- Contact Consumers Energy at (800) 477-5050 to make payment arrangements.
- Apply for a Home Heating Credit at michigan.gov/treasury.
Consumers Energy alone has provided $15 million since last fall to help customers pay bills. In all, the company and its charitable foundation have provided over $21 million to support customers and communities with needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Consumers Energy knows asking for assistance isn’t always easy,” Snyder said. “But we want you to know money is available right here in Michigan to go toward your energy bills. Even if you didn’t qualify in the past, it’s possible you can get help today.”
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
