September 30 Is Deadline for Filing for State Home Heating Credit

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Aug 23, 2010, 06:30 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers Energy reminds qualifying residents that September 30 is the deadline to file for a State of Michigan Home Heating Credit.

"Qualifying Michigan residents can get help paying their heating bills through a Michigan Home Heating Credit," said Debra Harmon, Consumers Energy's customer assistance coordinator. Information on how to apply for a credit is being provided with bills that Consumers Energy customers receive in August. Information is also available by visiting www.consumersenergy.com and typing "payment assistance programs" in the search field.

"There is money available in the Michigan Home Heating Credit program to assist low-income residents with their energy bills. Unfortunately, many of those eligible do not take advantage of this program," said Harmon. Applicants do not need to file a state tax return to receive this credit.

Last year, more than 453,000 Michigan residents received $104 million in aid through the Home Heating Credit program, which is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The average payment per household was $230. The Home Heating Credit can be applied to all heating costs, including propane and purchased firewood.

The Home Heating Credit Claim form (MI-1040CR-7) generally is available wherever other tax forms are provided. You also may get forms from the Michigan Department of Treasury at (800) 827-4000, at www.michigan.gov/taxes, at Consumers Energy bill payment offices, by calling the utility at (800) 477-5050 or at www.consumersenergy.com.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 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