Community agencies awarded grants to help low-income customers pay heating bills

Nine community service agencies across the state of Michigan were recently awarded $54.5 million in grants to help low-income customers pay heating bills. The grants are through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, (MEAP), according to a press release from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The MEAP grants are funded by the Low Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF), which raises money through a monthly surcharge assessed by participating utilities, this year set at 91 cents. Additional funding is provided through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, according to the press release.

The recipients of the MEAP grants include:

• MDHHS Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity: $6.39 million, statewide.

• The Heat and Warmth Fund: $7.069 million, statewide.

• The Salvation Army: $11.4 million, statewide.

• TrueNorth Community Services: $10.85 million, statewide.

• United Way for Southeastern Michigan: $6.575 million.

• United Way of Jackson County: $5.25 million.

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of Detroit: $4.356 million; multiple counties throughout Michigan.

• Superior Watershed Partnership: $2.46 million, 15 Upper Peninsula counties, and multiple northern-Lower Peninsula counties.

• Barry County United Way: $150,000, Barry County.

Assistance can cover full or partial payment of one or more bills for electric, natural gas, propane, heating oil, or any other deliverable fuel used to provide heat. Grant agencies will also provide services such as weatherization improvements, according to the press release. The MPSC urges customers to contact their utility company or propane supplier as soon as they know they will be unable to pay a bill on time, to avoid a shutoff. For assistance, residents can call 211 or visit mi211.org.

Residents are advised to cut home energy costs by reducing energy waste:

• Change furnace filters monthly.

• Install a programmable thermostat and lower temperatures during daytime hours.

• Dress for cold weather and turn down the thermostat another degree or two.

• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, or utility access points.

• Schedule a home energy assessment to identify ways to cut energy waste.

For more recommendations on reducing energy bills, and information about MEAP, visit the MPSC website www.Michigan.gov/ MPSC.

Assistance can cover full or partial payment of one or more bills for electric, natural gas, propane, heating oil, or any other deliverable fuel used to provide heat.