State utility regulators are drawing attention to ways Michiganders can get financial help with their energy bills this winter.
Industry officials say higher energy costs are expected through the winter months, which are now underway. A new energy assistance website was designed to make it easier for people to find help paying their utility bills.
Additionally, authorities rescheduled a Detroit-area energy assistance event that was cancelled because of widespread snowstorms.
The Michigan Public Service Commission said in its recent winter energy appraisal that market volatility is driving higher prices while demand is also increasing across multiple energy sectors.
The agency reports energy costs are up for all fuel types, but most dramatically for natural gas. More than 75% of Michigan residents depend on natural gas for heating fuel.
“Anytime we talk about the outlook we’re also trying to talk about assistance,” said Dan Scripps, commission board chairperson.
“The reality is that particularly natural gas is going to cost more this winter. But there is help out there.”
The new website is www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/get-help, where details about state and utility company programs can be found that offer energy bill assistance to income-qualified households.
Commission officials also rescheduled an energy assistance fair in a Downriver suburb after heavy snowfall led to the cancellation of the initially planned event in mid-November.
The energy fair will be 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Kessey Fieldhouse, 4300 S. Dearborn St. in Melvindale.
Officials from local and state agencies will be available to answer questions about assistance programs and help register new or returning clients. There also will be representatives from Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and TrueNorth Community Services who can explain bill assistance, payment plans, and other options.
Participants at the energy fair will have an opportunity to share their thoughts about energy affordability, accessibility, and the availability of assistance programs. The listening session is part of the commission’s effort to seek broad and diverse input about these issues launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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