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We're currently experiencing system issues which may result in website slowness. We're sorry for any inconvenience and ask that you try again later today.
We're currently experiencing system issues which may result in website slowness. We're sorry for any inconvenience and ask that you try again later today.
We're currently experiencing system issues which may result in website slowness. We're sorry for any inconvenience and ask that you try again later today.
We're currently experiencing system issues which may result in website slowness. We're sorry for any inconvenience and ask that you try again later today.
Find Helpful Payment Assistance Programs
Many in our community are faced with economic hardships. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll suggest financial assistance programs that could be a good fit for you.
Please select one that applies to you
Please select all that apply
You must select at least one option. If none of the options apply to you, please select "none".
CARE Program
The Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program is an affordable payment plan that offers monthly payments at a fixed, affordable rate. Plus, if you make payments on time your past due balance will be gradually forgiven.
Home Heating Credit Program
If your income is at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, you may apply for a Home Heating Credit from the State of Michigan to help pay winter heating bills (includes rented apartments and mobile homes).
Helping Neighbors Program
The Helping Neighbors Program will provide a free expert energy assessment of your home. You may also be eligible for free energy upgrades like insulating pipes, installing free LED bulbs, showerheads and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators.
You may also qualify for a special Veteran Only programs:
You may also qualify for a special COVID relief program:
MIHAF (Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund)
The Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund (MIHAF) was established to help homeowners who have experienced a financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This fund helps prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020 through qualified expenses related to mortgages and housing.
You may be eligible for up to $25,000 MIHAF assistance per household on your primary residence which MIHAF will disburse directly to the lender/servicer or service provider:
- Delinquent mortgage/housing expenses
- Up to three consecutive, monthly mortgage payments
- Property taxes
- Homeowner’s insurances
- Utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer, and Internet broadband services
Apply for MIHAF online below or call 2-1-1 for assistance.
Apply for MIHAF Now
CERA (Assistance for Renters)
COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is a program available for tenants facing pandemic-related hardships to avoid eviction.
The program offers:
- Up to 12 months of rental assistance, 3 months of which can be future payments
- Assistance for past due and future electricity, heat, water, sewer, and trash costs
- Funds are managed by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s network of nonprofit agencies.
- Landlords or tenants can apply directly online at Michigan.gov/cera.
- If you are unable to fill out your application online, call 2-1-1 to be connected with an agency that can assist you.
Who is Eligible?
CERA is for renter households that have incomes less than 80% of their county’s Area Median Income. Applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus.
- Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.
- To check eligibility and apply for assistance follow the link below or visit Michigan.gov/cera
Don’t wait! These funds will be available only for a limited time.
Apply for CERA NowOther programs you might be interested in:
Longer Term Assistance
Longer Term Assistance
Behind on Your Bill? Explore These Payment Plans
If you need assistance managing your energy bill, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program may be able to help.
As a CARE member, you will receive the following benefits:
- Your monthly payments will be at a fixed, affordable rate.
- Any past due balance you might have will be gradually forgiven as a reward for on time payments.
Please note that this program is only available if you have received a State Emergency Relief (SER) energy payment. See information about the State Emergency Relief Program on our One Time Assistance Programs page.
Pay Off Your Balance on Your Own Schedule
Finding it hard to make your payments on time? With a payment arrangement, you can pay off your balance little by little on a schedule that best fits you.
How it works:
First, you put an initial down payment towards your balance. Then, the rest of your balance is split between even payments over time. Payments can be made weekly, bi-weekly and monthly.
Eligibility, payment amounts and length of the payment arrangement plan depend on these factors:
- Length of service
- How many times shut off notices were received in a 12-month period
- Number of times service was turned off due to missing a payment
- Number of payment arrangement defaults in a 12-month period
- Number of payments returned for non-sufficient funds
If your past due balance is less than $75, consider our Budget Plan. The Budget Plan offers an effective solution if you’re looking to avoid unexpectedly high bills during times of higher energy use.
The Budget Plan may be a good option for you if:
- You want a bill that’s predictable from month-to-month
- You have a past due balance of no more than $75
- You haven’t defaulted on your payment more than two times in the last year
- 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 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. You may request an extension by reapplying.
- You must provide verification of active duty status.
- At the end of active duty, you must notify us of your change in status.
- You still will be required to pay for the energy you used during your participation 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.
- 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. You may request an extension by reapplying.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund: Provides eligible wartime veterans and their families located in Michigan with temporary energy assistance for emergencies or hardships.
- Winter Protection Plan: Pay partial charges through winter months while receiving seasonal protection from disconnection.
- Electric Senior Citizen Bill Credits: This income assistance credit is designed to help seniors on fixed incomes.
- The Electric Senior Citizen provision is designed to help you with your electric bill by offering a monthly credit of $4.00 to your bill. 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 Area Agencies located within communities statewide 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 are eligible for shut-off protection. Please complete the Medical Certification Form to get started. Please note, if you are participating in 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. Participation in this program does not mean your electric power will be restored sooner than others.
- PLEASE NOTE: Backup generators and transportation services are not part of this program. Participation 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.
- Provide us with written proof from a doctor or a notice from a public health official that service shutoff will aggravate an existing medical condition 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 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, call us at 800-477-5050.
Consumers Energy partners 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):
| Number of Household Members | 110% FPL HHC (Annual) |
150% FPL SER, CARE, WPP, RIA (Monthly) |
200% FPL WAP, SPP, Helping Neighbors (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,038 | $1,823 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $21,692 | $2,465 | $3,287 |
| 3 | $27,346 | $3,108 | $4,143 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $3,750 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $38,654 | $4,393 | $5,857 |
| 6 | $44,308 | $5,035 | $6,713 |
| For each additional person add | $5,654 | $643 | $857 |
* Some non-profit agencies might provide assistance to households with a higher income level. Please contact the agency for details.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program
We work with agencies to provide energy assistance programs that include help paying energy bills, household budgeting and energy efficiency.
Call 2-1-1 or contact one of the participating agencies below:The United Way
of Jackson County
helpwithutilities.com
517-741-0202
The Heat and Warmth
Fund (THAW)
thawfund.org/assistance/
800-866-8429
St. Vincent de
Paul Society
helpwithmybill.com
877-788-4623
True North
Community Services
tnempower.org
231-355-5880
Barry County United Way
bcunitedway.org
269-945-4010
The United Way of Southeastern Michigan
unitedwaysem.org/utility-assistance/
844-211-4994
The Salvation Army
salarmy.us/energy
616-929-1645
Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity
micommunityaction.org
Or contact your local
Community Action Agency
Superior Watershed Partnership
superiorwatersheds.org/energy-conservation
906-273-2742
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