Some won’t want to hear this any sooner than necessary, but winter is around the corner. In fact, later this week the official Michigan State Christmas Tree will be harvested in Iron Mountain and begin the trek to the State Capitol building in Lansing. In the meantime, those who have a tough time paying the bill to keep warm are getting word from Michigan Gas Utilities that help is at hand.
With colder days creeping closer on the calendar, Michigan Gas Utilities is encouraging customers to take steps to stay warm this winter. Customers who may need help paying energy bills during the heating season can apply for energy assistance and credits through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Treasury.
You may be eligible to receive help with energy bills or energy efficiency improvements through four separate programs.
- Home Heating Credit — Offers assistance in covering heating costs.
- State Emergency Relief — Helps residents in need of immediate assistance with energy-related expenses.
- Weatherization Assistance — Provides energy-efficient home improvements, such as additional insulation or air sealing, at no charge.
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) — Offers assistance with paying energy bills and effectively managing energy costs.
Here’s how you can apply for help:
Those interested in receiving assistance through the Home Heating Credit, State Emergency Relief and Weatherization Assistance programs should visit the MDHHS website linked below to fill out an application or find out the program operator in their area. To apply for assistance through the MEAP, residents should dial 211.
There are guidelines for receiving assistance that you should be aware of:
Eligibility for all four programs is based in part on household income. Residents do not need to be behind in paying their natural gas bills to receive support through the Home Heating Credit or Weatherization Assistance programs.
Customers with questions about natural gas bills or payment options should contact MGU at 800-401-6402. A payment arrangement may be available to help customers who have fallen behind on their natural gas bills.
Here’s the link for the application process:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5531_62128—,00.html
