Facing high energy bills can be a significant challenge, especially for households with limited income. In Michigan, Consumers Energy offers a program designed to ease this burden: the Consumers Energy CARE program. This guide will explain how this program works, who is eligible, and how to enroll, ensuring you have all the information needed to understand and potentially benefit from this valuable assistance.
The Consumers Energy CARE program is a low-income rate assistance initiative aimed at making energy bills more affordable. It provides eligible customers with a credit applied directly to their monthly Consumers Energy bill. A key feature of the CARE program is its focus on sustainable bill management. Participants receive this credit as long as they consistently make on-time monthly payments towards their reduced bill amount. This encourages responsible energy consumption and bill payment habits. Furthermore, upon enrollment in the CARE program, any existing past due balance is frozen. This frozen balance is then gradually reduced as participants maintain their regular, on-time monthly payments. This aspect offers a pathway for customers to manage and eventually eliminate outstanding debt while keeping their energy services active.
Eligibility for the Consumers Energy CARE program is primarily based on income. Specifically, to qualify, a household’s income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. This income threshold ensures that the program effectively targets those who are most in need of energy bill assistance.
Enrolling in the Consumers Energy CARE program is a straightforward process. The first step is to dial 2-1-1 from your phone. This is a free, confidential service that connects you to health and human service programs. When you connect with a 2-1-1 representative, simply inform them that you are calling to enroll in the “Consumers Energy CARE program.” The representative will then provide you with directions to the nearest enrollment site where you can complete the application process. For additional information and to start the process, you can also visit the Consumers Energy website dedicated to the CARE program.
While the Consumers Energy CARE program is a significant resource, it’s also helpful to be aware of other energy assistance programs available in Michigan. These include the Home Heating Credit, which provides basic maintenance benefits through the Michigan Department of Treasury, and State Emergency Relief (SER), offering help with home heating and utility bills during emergencies. Additionally, the Winter Protection Plan safeguards low-income customers and seniors from service shutoff during the winter months. Consumers Energy also offers the Helping Neighbors Program, which provides free home energy assessments and energy-saving products to income-qualified customers.
In conclusion, the Consumers Energy CARE program offers vital support to low-income households in Michigan struggling with energy costs. By providing bill credits, freezing past-due balances, and promoting responsible payment behavior, the CARE program helps make energy more affordable and manageable. If you believe you are eligible, contacting 2-1-1 is the first step towards enrolling and accessing this valuable assistance.
