Michigan home heating assistance guide

2012-2013 heating season

No one should be without heat this winter. If you or others you know are without energy this heating season, call us immediately at 800-242-9137. We are here to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other resources and programs that you may be able to use this winter:

Winter protection plan

If you are a senior citizen or income-qualified, you may be eligible for protection against service disconnection and high utility bill payments during the winter months (Nov. 1 - March 31). Participation does not relieve customers of the responsibility to pay for electricity use. At the end of the protection period, customers participating in the plan must make arrangements to pay any money owed before the start of the next protection period.

Winter disconnection protection does not apply to customers who have been disconnected or have a pending disconnection for unauthorized electric use within the past two years at the customer’s current address until all charges are paid or payment arrangements are made. Call 800-242-9137.

Medical emergency protection

If you have a medical emergency or protective services emergency, you may postpone service disconnection up to 21 days. Proof that your household situation is considered a medical emergency or protective services emergency is required. This proof can be a statement from a licensed physician or a notice from a public health, social services or law enforcement official, which identifies the emergency condition or situation that exists in the home and specifies the period of time during which disconnection will aggravate the circumstances. Call 800-242-9137.

Active duty disconnection protection

If you or your spouse is called to full-time active military service during a time of declared national or state emergency or war, you may apply for electric disconnection protection. Call 800-242-9137.

Home Heating Credit

You may be eligible to receive assistance to help pay your winter heating bills. You can apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2012 tax year if you meet income requirements. To apply for the credit, file your application with the Michigan Department of Treasury before Sept. 30, 2013. To find out if you qualify, or to request an application, call the Michigan Department of Treasury at 517-636-4486 or visit www.michigan.gov/treasury.

Weatherization Assistance

Low-income homeowners and renters may be eligible for this energy efficiency program that provides assistance to help weatherize homes and reduce heating bills. Weatherizing may include caulking, weather-stripping and insulating your home. For more information or to find out if you qualify, go to mcaaa.org or contact your local Community Action Agency:

Alger County	906-228-6522
Baraga County	906-353-6600
Delta County	906-786-7080
Dickinson County	906-774-2256
Gogebic County	906-667-0283
Houghton County	906-482-5528
Iron County	906-774-2256
Marquette County	906-228-6522
Menominee County	906-786-7080
Ontonagon County	906-667-0283

State Emergency Relief

If you received a service disconnection notice or had your utility service disconnected and you meet income requirements, you may qualify for this assistance program. For more information or to find out if you qualify, call the Department of Human Services (DHS) Energy Assistance Hotline at 855-275-6424, contact your local DHS agency or visit www.michigan.gov/dhs.

Alger County	906-387-4440
Baraga County	906-353-4700
Delta County	906-786-5394
Dickinson County	906-779-4100
Gogebic County	906-663-6200
Houghton County	906-482-0500
Iron County	906-265-9958
Marquette County	906-228-9691
Menominee County	906-863-9965
Ontonagon County	906-884-4951