Eligibility details and forms are available from all Michigan Department of Treasury offices. Some customers will be eligible to receive shutoff protection by participating in the Winter Protection Plan offered by natural gas and electric utilities and suppliers. Customer enrollment in the Winter Protection Plan begins November 15, 2000. A family with a qualifying child and at least one worker in the household may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Credit. Application forms are available from the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.
Help is available for the thousands of seniors and low-income residents of our state.
However, those customers must make their needs known to their utility company or request bill payment assistance through the various federal and state agency programs. Utility company staff will attempt to provide information on services that can reduce the customer's home energy usage, as well as put the customer in touch with public or private social service agencies that may be able to offer financial assistance. The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.