As cold weather moves in, state agencies are working to make sure Michiganders know how to apply for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program if they think they might struggle with their heating bills this winter. MEAP helps low-income residents pay their energy bills on time, apply for affordable payment plans and utilize energy services to increase efficiency and keep bills down. Shama Mounzer with the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency says many of the clients they serve make between 100 and 150% of the poverty level, meaning a family of three is not making more than $24,000 a year.
We see usually average bills in the wintertime of $400 to $500 a month. And looking at the income of our households that we see, how can they afford really paying those high bills?”
Mounzer says to access the MEAP program, residents can apply for State Emergency Relief through the state Department of Health and Human Services. She says it’s important to contact your local Community Action agency if you have any questions about the process or what documents are needed.
