CARE Program

Make Your Energy Bill More Manageable

If you need assistance managing your energy bill, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program may help.

CARE is a two-year affordable payment plan that helps you stay on top of your energy bills. As a CARE member, you will receive the following benefits:

  • A portion of your monthly bill will be paid by the program
  • Any past due balance you might have will be gradually forgiven as a reward for on time payments


    • As a CARE member, you may also be eligible to receive no-cost, in-home energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce you energy costs through our Helping Neighbors Program. To learn more, call 877-448-9433 or visit ConsumersHelpingNeighbors.com

    For this year only – CARE customers currently enrolled in a 2 year CARE plan will be automatically enrolled into 2nd year of the program starting October 1, 2018. There is no income validation or documents required to continue receiving CARE benefits until NEXT YEAR – September 30, 2019. Validation is required for new customers.
    Eligibility

    To qualify, customers must meet the following criteria:

    • Must meet the household income guidelines (see table below)
    • Must have an past due balance of less than $4,000 on your Consumers Energy account
    • Must be an active, residential Consumers Energy account holder or the spouse of the account holder
    • Must not have theft, fraud or bankruptcy on the account

    CARE Program Eligibility Guidelines
    Number of Household Members Maximum MONTHLY Income
    (150% of Poverty Level)
    1 $1,517.50
    2 $2,057.50
    3 $2,597.50
    4 $3,137.50
    5 $3,677.50
    6 $4,127.50
    7 $4,757.50
    8 $5,297.50
    Add $540 for each additional family member
    CARE Enrollment Process

    The enrollment period is open from October 1, 2018 until the program is filled. Space is limited. Dial 2-1-1 to find an enrolling agency in your area or contact any the agencies below.

    The United Way of Jackson County. To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: https://www.helpwithutilities.com
  • Call 844-220-6098

    • True North Community Services. To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: https://tnempower.org
  • Call 231-355-5880

    • The Salvation Army. To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: http://sawmni.org/wmni/energy-assistance
  • Call 616-929-1645

    • The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: https://thawfund.org/programs
  • Call 1-800-866-8429

    • Michigan Community Action Agency. To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov
  • Call 517-321-7500 or toll free at: 855-642-2846

    • St. Vincent de Paul Society. To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: http://svdpdet.org/need-help/energy-assistance
  • Call 313-393-2930 or toll free at: 1-877-788-4623

    • The United Way of Southeastern Michigan. To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: uwsem.smapply.org
  • Call 844-211-4994 or 2-1-1

    • Barry County United Way. To apply or check the status of your application:
  • Go online to: https://www.bcunitedway.org/
  • Call 269-945-4010


    • To make your enrollment process easier, please be sure to gather the following supporting documentation:
    • Most recent Consumers Energy bill
    • Social Security card of applicant and social security numbers for household members
    • Driver's license of applicant
    • Proof of all household gross income (amount before deductions) received during the 30 days prior to the application signature date
    Assistance Programs

    If the CARE Program isn't right for you, below are additional assistance programs.

    State Emergency Relief (October 1 - May 31)
    Providers Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
    How to Qualify Must be past due* and income eligible
    Possible Benefits Immediate hold for online applicants - up to $850/energy service. $1,700 for combined natural gas/electric
    How to Apply Apply online at: mibridges.michigan.gov or contact your county DHHS office

    Recover some of last year’s heating costs by applying for the Home Heating Credit by September 30. Go Online at: http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,4676,7-238-43513_66852-330928--,00.html

    The Helping Neighbors Program

    Learn how to lower your monthly utility bill and increase the energy efficiency of your home at no cost.

    Learn More