CARE Program

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Make Your Energy Bill More Manageable

If you need assistance managing 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 receive the following benefits:

Affordable fixed monthly bill

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 your energy costs 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 have graduated from the program, validation will be required for reenrollment.

Eligibility

To qualify, customers must meet the following criteria:

Must receive an energy related 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 unaddressed theft or fraud on the account

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CARE Enrollment Process

CARE enrollment opens 10/1/22 and is on a first come first serve basis. If you are past due and need assistance with your bill, apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) here. On your SER application you can chose 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 assistance in your area.

The United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) CARE enrollment is open. To apply for self-sufficiency services:

Go online to: uwenergyhelp.org

Call 517-741-0202

True North Community Services CARE enrollment is open. To apply for self-sufficiency services:

Go online to: https://tnempower.org

Call 231-355-5880

The Salvation Army CARE enrollment is open. To apply for self-sufficiency services:

Go online to: https://salarmy.us/energy

Call 616-929-1640 or toll free at: 855-929-1640

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) CARE enrollment is open. To apply for self-sufficiency 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 self-sufficiency:

Go online to: micommunityaction.org

Call your local Community Action Agency

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

Go online to: http://helpwithmybill.com/

Call 313-393-2930 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 for self-sufficiency services:

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

Call 269-945-4010

Superior Watershed Partnership CARE enrollment is open. To apply for self-sufficiency 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 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

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Assistance Programs

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

Shut-Off Protection Plan is available year-round.

Eligibility:

Meet Income Guidelines (200% of poverty level)
10% of total account balance is due at enrollment

Winter Protection Plan is available November 1 through March 31.