Consumers Energy Provides $1 Million to Warm Michigan Households, Plus $3.5 Million for New Customer Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy has announced a $4.5 million commitment to assist Michigan households. This includes $1 million for winter aid and $3.5 million for a pilot program aimed at vulnerable households, pending Michigan Public Service Commission approval. This initiative adds to the $20 million already contributed over the last two years. Partnering with local nonprofits, the funds aim to support families facing energy challenges. Customers are encouraged to access help through community resources or by contacting Consumers Energy directly.

Positive

• Commitment of $4.5 million to assist Michigan households.
• $1 million allocated for immediate winter assistance.
• $3.5 million designated for a new pilot program for low-income households.
• Previously committed nearly $20 million in assistance over the last two years.

Negative

• The $3.5 million pilot program is contingent on approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission.

JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is committing $4.5 million in new assistance to help Michiganders stay safe and warm in their homes, including $1 million for this winter and $3.5 million for a pilot program for vulnerable households later this year.

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

The $1 million will be distributed equally by the United Way of Jackson County and TrueNorth Community Services, two Michigan nonprofits with long histories of helping Consumers Energy customers.

The $3.5 million contribution will establish a new pilot program for low-income households scheduled to start later this year. The program will need approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Consumers Energy has worked to help customers and communities in several ways, committing nearly $20 million in the last two years in assistance for households and small businesses.

The best way for people to get help is to call 2-1-1, a free service that connects people with nonprofit agencies in their communities. Other sources of assistance include:

• 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.
• Apply for COVID Emergency Rental Assistance. Customers can apply online at www.michigan.gov/CERA.

Consumers Energy's contributions add to tens of millions of dollars that have come into Michigan since last year through pandemic relief and federal and state stimulus programs. Rich encouraged people to reach out to 2-1-1 if they face any challenges, from energy bills to other household needs.

"We know it can be intimidating to ask for assistance, particularly for families that haven't faced financial hardship before. But people should remember that getting that important help can start with a single phone call," Rich said.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy  
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy  

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What is Consumers Energy's recent financial commitment for Michigan households?

Consumers Energy has committed $4.5 million to assist Michigan households, including $1 million for winter aid.

How will Consumers Energy's $3.5 million be used?

The $3.5 million will fund a pilot program for vulnerable households, pending approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission.

What organizations will distribute the $1 million assistance from Consumers Energy?

The $1 million will be distributed equally by the United Way of Jackson County and TrueNorth Community Services.

How much has Consumers Energy contributed in assistance over the past two years?

Consumers Energy has committed nearly $20 million in assistance to households and small businesses over the last two years.

What resources are available for Michiganders seeking assistance?

Michiganders can contact 2-1-1 for help or visit the Michigan government websites for various assistance programs.