• Shut-off Protection – Active Duty in the Military: If you (or your spouse) are the main contact for your account and are called to full-time active military service, you may request protection from disconnection. This protection may last for up to 90 days. You may also request an extension by reapplying.
  • If you (or your spouse) are the customer of record and you’re called to full-time active military service, you may apply for shut-off protection for up to 90 days. After 90 days, you may request to extend this extension by reapplying.
    • You must verify your active duty status.
    • At the end of active duty, you must let us know of your change in status.
    • You still will need to pay for the energy you used while you were in this program.
    • We will set up a payment plan for all past due amounts to be paid within one year.
    • To join, call us at 800-477-5050.

• Winter Protection Plan: Pay part of your charges through winter months while being protected from a service disconnect during the season.
• Electric Senior Citizen Bill Credits: This income assistance credit is designed to help seniors on fixed incomes.
  • The Electric Senior Citizen provision helps you with your electric bill with an added credit of $4.00 to your bill each month. Qualifying customers must meet age requirements and be the head of the household.
  • If you are eligible to receive the Electric Income Assistance credit, you will no longer receive the Electric Senior Citizen credit.

• Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency: Local agencies that are located within communities around the state that provide a variety of senior services and activities.
• Elder Law of Michigan: Older adults and people with disabilities can get help paying for the cost of basic needs like food, medicine, healthcare, utilities, housing and taxes.

• Critical Care Program: If you are on life support or have a life-threatening medical condition, you can be protected from a shut-off. Please complete the Medical Certification Form to get started. Please note, if you have life support shut-off protection, you need to re-enroll every year.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Backup generators and transportation services are not part of this program. Being in this program does not mean your electric power will be restored sooner than others.
    
    
• Medical Emergency Protection: If you have a qualifying, documented medical emergency, you can be protected from an energy service shut-off for up to 21 days.
  • Send us written proof from a doctor or a notice from a public health official that service shutoff will make an existing medical condition worse with this form. Once you’ve filled out the form, call us at 800-477-5050.
  • For the complete details, see Consumer Standards and Billing Practices For Electric and Gas Residential Service.
    
    
• Third Party Notification: We’ll send a copy of any shut-off notice you receive to a third party, with your written authorization. This third party may be a consenting friend, relative or agency.
  • Your third-party contact is not responsible for paying your bill but may act as a liaison between you and Consumers Energy. To set up Third Party Notifications, call us at 800-477-5050.

We partner with several agencies across the state who provide energy assistance. Check your income below to see if you’re eligible for an energy assistance program.

Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL):

* Some non-profit agencies might provide assistance to households with a higher income level. Please contact the agency for details.

• We’ll send a copy of any shut-off notice you receive to a third party, with your written authorization. This may include a consenting friend, relative or agency.
  
  
• Your third-party contact is not responsible for paying your bill but may act as a liaison between you and Consumers Energy. To set up Third Party Notifications online, go to https://www.consumersenergy.com/privacy/third-party-notification. You can also call us at 800-477-5050.