The purpose of the MEAP is to establish and administer programs statewide that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. Self-sufficiency services include assisting participants with the following: paying their energy bills on time; budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses, which may include enrollment into an affordable payment plan (APP); and utilizing energy services to optimize on energy efficiency.
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Electric, natural gas, and propane bills can have a major impact on household budgets. For people having trouble paying their energy bills, it is important to know that help may be available. Below you will find helpful tips on navigating the energy assistance process.
Be Proactive - Contact your utility company or propane supplier as soon as you know you will be unable to pay your bill on time. Do not wait for a shut-off notice or put yourself in a situation where you might run out of fuel.
Get Help by Calling 2-1-1 - Call 2-1-1 or go to www.mi211.org to learn about agencies in your county that may assist with your energy bill.
State Emergency Relief (SER) Program - SER may help low-income households pay part of their heating or electric bills, assist in keeping utilities in service, or have service restored. The program is available all year long. Call your local Department of Health and Human Services office for information or apply on MI Bridges. Households must apply for SER assistance prior to receiving any MEAP services.
Please note that the State Emergency Relief (SER) Program provides financial assistance to Michigan residents facing extreme hardship or emergencies that threaten health and safety. One part of that program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), consists of federal funds for crisis assistance for energy-related services such as heating and electricity. As of June 15, LIHEAP funding will no longer be available this fiscal year. Please review the flyer to help answer questions about what this means.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) - MEAP works with households to provide supplemental bill payment assistance and self-sufficiency services to low-income residents statewide. A list of organizations that deliver MEAP services can be found here. MEAP Grantees are all Community Partners with MDHHS and can help applicants to navigate the MDHHS application process.
Community Partners - Connect with an MDHHS community partner to help work through the process of applying for assistance
Home Heating Credit - Qualified persons may receive a credit to help pay winter heating bills. Apply for a Home Heating Credit if you are low-income, receive public assistance, or unemployment compensation. Eligible customers must meet guidelines based on household income, exemptions, and heating costs. You must apply by September 30 each year. The application form (MI-1040CR-7) can be requested from the Michigan Department of Treasury at 517-636-4486, or visit website at michigan.gov/Treasury
For more information check out our consumer tip on energy assistance, how to apply for energy assistance, or visit michigan.gov/BeWinterWise for a variety of additional energy resources and information.
The MPSC has created an outreach toolkit to help organizations share information about energy assistance programs with their local communities. The toolkit includes information on available assistance programs and shut off protections as well as outreach materials.