With Winter on the Way, Consumers Energy Provides $2 Million to Help Michigan Families Stay Safe and Warm

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Nov 12, 2018, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As Michigan gears up for winter, Consumers Energy announced today that it is contributing $2 million to help Michigan residents stay safe and warm.

"When the temperatures start to drop, we know there are Michigan families who struggle to make ends meet. As part of our commitment to the people we serve, Consumers Energy is happy that we can help thousands of families stay warm this winter," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We want people to know that help is always available and is just a phone call away."

The $2 million contribution will help as many as 2,500 households in Consumers Energy's CARE program. The CARE program provides monthly credits toward energy bills as well as forgiveness of past-due balances. Participants also qualify for energy-saving tools, including free in-home energy efficiency upgrades.

Consumers Energy encourages people who are facing hardship with energy bills or other needs to call 2-1-1, a free service in all Michigan counties that connects people with resources to help in their community.

Those who call 2-1-1 can be referred to one of the four nonprofit organizations that are receiving the $2 million from Consumers Energy. They are United Way of Jackson County, TrueNorth Community Services, The Salvation Army and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW).

In addition, Consumers Energy this month is including information about available energy assistance options in all residential bills. The energy provider reminds customers not to fall behind on their bills before reaching out for help.

"It's vital that people understand help is available," Poppe said. "People can take steps now to ensure they stay warm even on Michigan's coldest days."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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

Need help paying your bill?

CALL 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 first to find out what resources are available in your community. Learn more at www.mi211.org.

CONSUMERS ENERGY: Learn about Consumers Energy's CARE program: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/CARE

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/consumersenergy
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SOURCE Consumers Energy