Heating Help Still Available; Consumers Energy Encourages Qualifying Customers to File for State Home Heating Credit

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Aug 24, 2011, 06:30 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy encourages qualifying residential customers who have not yet received a Home Heating Credit this year to file for a State of Michigan Home Heating Credit available through September 30, 2011. Qualifying Michigan residents can get help paying their heating bills.

"With significant federal and state funding cuts for utility assistance anticipated this coming winter, the time to act is now," said Whitney Skeans, Consumers Energy's customer assistance coordinator. "Though the 2011 credit is averaging about $135 per household, less than the 2010 average credit, we recognize that every bit helps."

Last year, nearly 473,000 Michigan residents received $80.6 million in aid through the Home Heating Credit program, which is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Home Heating Credit can be applied to all heating costs, including propane and purchased firewood. Applicants do not need to file a state tax return to receive this credit.

Consumers Energy can provide applicants with their annual heating cost, required on the form, by calling the utility at 1-800-477-5050. Additional information for Consumers Energy customers on how to apply for a Home Heating Credit is available by visiting www.consumersenergy.com/energyanswers.

The Home Heating Credit Claim form (MI-1040CR-7) is generally available wherever other tax forms are provided. You also may get forms from the Michigan Department of Treasury at (517) 636-4486, at www.michigan.gov/taxes, at Consumers Energy bill payment offices, at www.consumersenergy.com/energyanswers, or by calling the utility at (800) 477-5050. For customers of Wayne and Oakland counties, free filing assistance is available through the Accounting Aid Society by calling 1-866-673-0873.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy