CARE Program

As of: 5:50 PM, 12/10/23

Make Your Energy Bill Easier to Manage

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

CARE is a 24-month affordable payment plan that helps you stay on top of your energy bills. As a CARE member, you will get these benefits:

Affordable fixed monthly bill

Any past due balance you might have will be forgiven over time. This is done as a reward for on time payments.

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

CARE customers are enrolled in the program for 24 months regardless of start date. Once you’ve finished the program, validation will be required to enroll again.

Eligibility

To qualify for CARE, customers must meet the following rules below.

Must receive energy-related State Emergency Relief (SER) from DHHS in order to be considered income eligible
Total account balance must be less than $4,000
Must be an active, residential Consumers Energy account holder or the spouse of the account holder
Must not have theft or fraud on the account that has not been addressed

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CARE Enrollment Process

CARE enrollment opens 10/1/23 and is on a first come, first serve basis. If you are past due and need help with your bill, apply for SER by visiting newmibridges.gov. On your SER application you can choose a “Navigator” from the below list of agencies. Your agency navigator can help you enroll in CARE and provide self-sufficiency services. Dial 2-1-1 to find help in your area.

The United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) CARE enrollment is OPEN. To apply for services:

Go online to: uwenergyhelp.org

Call 517-741-0202

True North Community Services CARE enrollment is OPEN. To apply for services:

Go online to: https://tnempower.org

Call 231-355-5880

The Salvation Army CARE enrollment is OPEN. To apply for services:

Go online to: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/rent-mortgage-and-utility-assistance/

Call 616-929-1640 or toll free at: 1-800-725-2769

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) CARE enrollment is OPEN. To apply for services:

Go online to: https://thawfund.org/programs

Call 1-800-866-8429

Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity CARE enrollment is OPEN To apply for services:

Go online to: micommunityaction.org

Call your local Community Action Agency

St. Vincent de Paul Society CARE enrollment is OPEN. To apply for services or inquire about other assistance available:

Go online to: https://svdpdetroit.org/helpwithmybill

Call 313-393-2855 or toll free at: 1-877-788-4623

The United Way of Southeastern Michigan CARE enrollment is OPEN. To apply or check the status of your application:

Go online to: https://unitedwaysem.org/utility-assistance/

Call 844-211-4994

Barry County United Way CARE enrollment is OPEN. To apply :

Go online to: https://www.bcunitedway.org/

Call 269-945-4010

Superior Watershed Partnership CARE enrollment is CLOSED. To apply for services.

Go online to: https://superiorwatersheds.org/energy-conservation

Call 906-273-2742

To make your enrollment process easier, please be sure to gather the following supporting documents:

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

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Assistance Programs

If the CARE Program isn't right for you, there are more programs that provide aid below.

Shut-Off Protection Plan is available year-round.

Eligibility:

Meet Income Guidelines (200% of poverty level)
10% of total account balance is due when you enroll

Winter Protection Plan is available November 1 through March 31.