Need help with utility bills? Grants increased by $22 million

Thomas Bradford

From Michigan Public Service Commission

Low-income households struggling to pay utility bills may be able to get assistance through an additional $22 million in Michigan Energy Assistance Program grants to eight of the organizations previously awarded funds for 2015.

As announced by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), the additional grants bring the total awarded in Fiscal Year 2015 to $111.5 million.

DHS on Feb. 18 announced it would make available an additional $22 million in federal funds to support the 2015 Michigan Energy Assistance Program grants. The MPSC notified the previous 2015 MEAP grantees about the additional funds and received nine applications for the additional funds.

After a review of the applications, DHS and the MPSC energy grants section agreed upon the following awards, pending State Administrative Board approval: Consumers Energy Company - $2.5 million to provide energy assistance program services to low‑income households in its utility service territory throughout the state of Michigan. DTE Energy - $3 million to provide energy assistance program services to low-income households in its utility service territory throughout the state of Michigan. Flat River Outreach Ministries, Inc. - $34,812 to provide energy assistance program services to low‑income households in the Lowell School District. Michigan Community Action Agency Association - $3.62 million to provide energy assistance program services to low‑income households statewide. Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of Detroit - $1 million to provide energy assistance program services to low-income households in 39 counties throughout the state of Michigan. Superior Watershed Partnership - $1.25 million to provide energy assistance program services to low‑income households throughout the 15 counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Salvation Army - $3.72 million to provide energy assistance program services to low‑income households statewide. TrueNorth Community Services - $6.9 million to provide energy assistance program services to low‑income households in 63 counties throughout the state of Michigan.

Households can call 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org ( http://www.mi211.org/) for information regarding eligibility requirements and referrals to agencies that can provide MEAP energy assistance services.