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Winter Protection Help for Michigan Seniors

From Michigan Services to the Aging

If you are a senior and you receive a shut-off notice during the months of November 2007 through March 31, 2008, don't fear, contact your local utility company. All Michigan seniors, regardless of income, are protected by the Michigan Public Service Commission's "Winter Protection Plan" rules. Winter Protection Plans prevent utility shut-offs during the winter heating season from November 1st through March 31st for all utility companies regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

When the Winter Protection Plan ends in April and you are still facing utility shut-offs due to outstanding balances carried forward from the protected winter months, there are a number of resources available to assist consumers--particularly seniors and those with limited incomes, struggling with high energy expenses. These resources include utility companies, government agencies, and private non-profit organizations. Contact the following public and private organizations for more information and/or direct assistance.

    • Utility companies. Michigan utility customers should always contact their utility company first if they are in need of assistance in meeting their energy needs. Utility companies offer a variety of programs to help customers with high energy bills. Programs may include year-round budget programs, help accessing other government and non-profit assistance, and even direct bill payment assistance.
      • The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is the state agency that regulates Michigan's utility industry. The Commission can issue emergency shut-off protection orders and can help consumers locate other public and private assistance programs. Contact the MPSC at 1-800-292-9555 or visit their website.
      • The Michigan Department of Treasury administers Michigan's Home Heating Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit programs. For more information about these programs, call the Michigan Department of Teasury at 517-373-3200.
        The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund can provide emergency grants to eligible wartime veterans and their families for temporary basic life needs including assistance with energy costs. Contact the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund at 517-335-6523.
      • The Salvation Army is a statewide private non-profit agency that provides direct emergency assisance and/or help accessing other utlity, public, and private assistance programs. People facing shut-off due to an emergency situation can contact their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or Service Extension office for assistance.
      • The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is a private non-profit agency serving 65 Michigan counties. THAW coordinates its utility assistance programs with 91 local community-based agencies to provide emergency utility bill payment assistance. Learn more about THAW at their website or by calling 1-800-866-THAW or 1-800-866-8429.
      • Community Action Agencies are local community-based agencies that typically provide information and assistance with energy conservation, emergency home repair, and weatherization programs. Check your local phone directory for the nearest Community Action Agency.
      • Energy is essential. Suddden spikes in energy expenses due to a hard winter or restricted supplies can put people into cirsis who have never before needed assistance and who do not know what help is available. Knowing where to turn when help is needed is the first step of getting through an energy price crisis.