As temperatures this winter have been changing fast, so do our needs for home heating. For many of us, these temperature swings can mean a more affordable energy bill this winter. However, for some folks, especially when colder temperatures arrive, there remains a need to seek extra assistance with their energy bills.

The Alliance for Michigan Power understands the impact winter energy affordability can have on many Michiganders, which is why we have gathered a list of resources at the state and local level, as well as from Michigan's local energy providers, to offer support.

Michigan Non-Profit Resources
An estimated 40% of households in Michigan struggle with meeting basic needs, many of which do not qualify for government aid based on current program criteria. Fortunately, several Michigan non-profits are on the front lines advocating for and providing heating assistance to help Michiganders and their families in the harsh winter seasons.

Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm: This group is made up of energy service providers, state governmental bodies, nonprofit energy assistance providers, and individual supporters with direct or indirect involvement in low-income household energy issues. Together, they engage in advocacy to support increasing the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) eligibility level and the allocation of adequate federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). They recently sent an open letter to Governor Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers asking for more access to energy assistance resources.
The Heat and Warmth Fund: The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is an organization dedicated to stabilizing and empowering Michigan families, keeping them healthy, safe, and warm. With 39 agency partners, THAW distributes energy and utility assistance to vulnerable Michigan residents each year. Last year, they distributed more than $7.6 million in utility assistance to nearly 10,000 households.

Government Funding Programs
The non-profits above, and many more local agencies, rely on government-funded programs set up to help low-income households with energy expenses year-round.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) receives federal funding to assist eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program: The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) establishes and administers programs statewide that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. Some of these services include:
- Paying energy bills on time
- Budgeting for and contributing to energy expenses
- Enrollment into an affordable payment plan (APP)
- Utilizing energy services to optimize energy efficiency

Local Energy Providers
Michigan’s local energy providers also partner with these non-profit agencies to implement programs to help customers access these government funds and provide even more resources for their customers who need energy assistance.

DTE

General Assistance: DTE offers several payment assistance programs to help Michiganders pay their energy bills. DTE works with you to find a payment plan to best suit your budget and energy needs.
Low-Income Programs: Throughout the year, DTE works with government agencies and community organizations to offer payment assistance to income-qualified residents.
Energy Assistance Agencies: A robust list of third-party resources to meet your energy assistance needs

Consumers Energy

Payment Plans & Assistance: Consumers Energy works with community members to find the best financial assistance programs tailored to your needs.
One Time Assistance Programs: If you need help with your bills immediately, Consumers Energy has gathered a list of programs to assist with catching up on your bills.

Expanding Energy Assistance in Michigan
The Alliance for Michigan Power is committed to expanding access to affordable and reliable energy to support a brighter energy future for all Michiganders. While the energy assistance programs listed above are invaluable to meeting the needs of our people, they only scratch the surface of what we can do to provide increasingly reliable and affordable energy for the state.

To improve the future of Michigan energy, we need to support smart energy policies that positively impact our energy assistance programs and fortify Michigan’s energy resources and infrastructure. AMP will continue to provide updates on energy policy debates and how you can get involved.

Your Guide to Energy Assistance Resources in Michigan

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