Consumers offering $10M in heating assistance to as many as 7,000 households

Consumers Energy recently announced that $10 million had been set aside to help low-income families pay their energy bills, potentially helping as many as 7,000 households in the process.

The funds build on efforts the company has undertaken all winter to help customers reduce energy use and find means of bill assistance. It also builds on the efforts of the state’s nonprofits, eight of whom have banded together under the phone number 2-1-1 to assist. They are receiving $8 million from Consumers to do so, whereas the other $2 million was first put up in October.

The United Way of Jackson County, TrueNorth Community Services, The Salvation Army, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), Michigan Community Action Agency, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Archdiocese of Detroit, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and Michigan Veterans Trust Fund all benefit from the latest contribution.

“Our Triple Bottom Line commitment to people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity means that we’re looking out for the people we serve, particularly those who face hardship,” Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy’s president and CEO, said. “We’re pleased that we can provide help for thousands of Michigan families to ensure they have the power and natural gas they need during another cold winter.”

The financial assistance is part of Consumers’ CARE program, which helps customers move toward self-sufficiency through monthly credits, gradual forgiveness of past-due balances and various efficiency upgrades.