COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities has partnered with Jacob’s Well Ministries of Coldwater to handle the disbursements of vouchers to eligible customers under the requirements of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program.
Under terms of an ordinance adopted by the CBPU Board of Directors Wednesday, the utility will provide financial assistance to qualifying low-income electric customers who are unable to pay a past due electric or heating bill.
New legislation under a revised Public Act 95 also allows the utility to be able to disconnect electric meters between November 1 and April 15. The CBPU currently does not do that but utilizes other utility services in order to collect delinquent past due bills.
Customer Service Manager Stacey Russell told the CBPU Board the state has expanded energy assistance funding and eligibility criteria.
The CBPU opted out of PA 95, which was first adopted in 2013, back in June. Under the agreement with Jacob’s, customers needing assistance would first apply to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The CBPU’s Winter Protection Plan calls for electric service to not be shutoff for non-payment if the temperature is forecast to drop to 34 degrees or lower during the next 24 hours.
The ordinance moves onto the City Council for their consideration.
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