• 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.

• Area Agency on Aging Association of Michigan: 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.

Residential Income Assistance Credit –

If you are below 150% of the federal level, you may qualify for additional assistance credits toward your monthly gas and electric bill.

To determine eligibility, complete the Residential Income Assistance Credit Self Attestation form and return to energyassistance@cmsenergy.com or fax to 517-325-8227.

• 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.