Consumers Energy Reminds Customers of Assistance Options

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Apr 07, 2015, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- While weather is warming up, Consumers Energy recognizes that some people may still be concerned about winter bills. That's why the company is reaching out to customers who received service protection during winter or participated in other payment plans to share information about assistance options should they need help. In fact, income-qualified customers are still eligible and encouraged to seek help even if they remain on a payment plan.

Consumers Energy is committed to supporting the Michigan communities it serves, and this year provided $9 million to extend direct aid for customers struggling to meet basic energy needs.

"We want our customers to know they have assistance options coming out of winter. In addition to payment arrangements with Consumers Energy, the company has teamed up with four lead human service agencies that provide help," said Amy Walt, executive director of customer operations for Consumers Energy. "We encourage customers not to wait until they reach a crisis before they reach out. The sooner contact is made, the more opportunities are available to help."

Walt shared the most important channels for getting help now:

Dial 2-1-1, a free, confidential, around-the-clock resource line that refers people to available help depending upon the type of need, such as energy bills, medical issues, transportation, senior and veteran care. Currently, there are a few key programs still offering help with energy bills, and 2-1-1 can help refer people to each of them.
The Michigan Department of Human Services provides help with energy bills through its State Emergency Relief Program. This program is available November through May. Apply online at www.mibridges.michigan.gov
Contact a nonprofit agency providing help with energy bills. Consumers Energy recommends and supports The Salvation Army, Michigan Community Action, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), and TrueNorth Community Services. Call the one nearest you; and, if you don't know, dial 2-1-1.
Qualified homeowners or renters who pay heating expenses are encouraged to apply for a Michigan Home Heating Credit. Refunds are issued in the form of credits applied toward energy bills. Customers do not need to file a state income tax return to receive this credit. You can find Form 1040CR-7 where tax forms are commonly available or by calling Consumers Energy to request a form at 800-477-5050.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Getting help

PAYMENT OPTIONS: Learn about options from Consumers Energy: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/assistance or call 800-477-5050

STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF: The Michigan Department of Human Services' program for emergency help. Apply online: www.mibridges.michigan.gov

AGENCY ASSISTANCE: