Aug 30, 2025
Consumers Energy is providing $2 million toward helping Michigan residents who have fallen behind on their electricity and natural gas payments.
The electric and gas company provides services to nearly 2 million customers. In a statement announcing this initiative, Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's senior vice president, said “We want anyone who's concerned about making ends meet to know you can count on us to help ease some of the costs of energy bills."
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The company announced funding will be distributed through The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) and The Salvation Army, and the program provides a one-time payment for eligible households.
This pledge follows a $5 million contribution that helped customers during the winter season. Snyder commented on the company’s pledge, saying “We are dedicated to the people who count on us for energy and provide assistance that allows people to stay safe and comfortable in any season.”
Who qualifies, and how to apply
To qualify, applicants must already have overdue bills, face a service shutoff or hold a balance at a previous address.
Income guidelines are set at $62,060 or less for an individual, and $128,600 or less for a family of four. The exact level of assistance is determined during the application and verification process, ensuring the funds reach those in greatest need.
Applying for help is designed to be accessible. Customers can call 800-866-8429, visit thawfund.org or apply directly through The Salvation Army.
During the application process, households will need to provide information on income, household size and their utility account. Once verified, qualifying customers will receive a payment credited toward their outstanding balance, helping to prevent or reverse disconnection.
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More programs and resources are available for help nationwide
Michigan isn’t alone in offering targeted energy assistance. For households outside Michigan, programs and resources are available at both the state and national levels.
For example, New York operates the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), while California has the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which provides discounted utility bills for eligible households.
At the federal level, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers help nationwide with heating and cooling costs, though availability depends on funding and eligibility requirements in each state.
For additional resources, USA.gov maintains an updated directory of assistance options, including programs for energy, water and telephone bills.
Residents are encouraged to check with both their state and local utility providers, as many have hardship funds or seasonal programs similar to Michigan’s. For eligible households, applying sooner rather than later may increase the chance of securing assistance before funds are exhausted.
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With a writing and editing career spanning over 13 years, Emma creates and refines content across a broad spectrum of industries, including personal finance, lifestyle, travel, health & wellness, real estate, beauty & fitness and B2B/SaaS/tech. Her versatility comes through contributions to high-profile clients like Moneywise, Healthline, Narcity and Bob Vila, producing content that informs and engages, along with helping book authors tell their stories.
