Consumers Energy pledges $4.5M for vulnerable Michigan households

Consumers Energy of Michigan committed $4.5 million in assistance for low-income households last week and, in the case of $1 million of these funds, to help two nonprofits keep vulnerable homes heated.

The $1 million will be distributed equally between the United Way of Jackson County and TrueNorth Community Services, with which Consumers has worked in the past. The remaining $3.5 million will be put into a new pilot program scheduled to start later this year. While it will aid low-income households, the details have yet to be released – and the program would need approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission first.

“Consumers Energy is committed to helping our friends and neighbors through this Michigan winter and all seasons,” Brian Rich, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president and chief customer officer, said. “These new dollars will enroll customers in programs that help them build brighter futures and stay safe and warm in their homes.”

The new funds continue building on the nearly $20 million in assistance the company has already put forward over the last two years to help households and small businesses weather a variety of situations. Despite the investments, though, Consumers noted that calling the free service 2-1-1, which connects people with nonprofit agencies in their communities, is still the best way for those in need to get help.

The company also encouraged applications for State Emergency Relief, Home Heating Credits, and COVID Emergency Rental Assistance.