MICHIGAN (WNEM) – Consumers Energy is going to help its customers 65 and older by providing energy saving strategies and payment resources.
Consumers said the state’s frigid winter may have caused an increase in bills for its senior customers. The energy company said through March 31, it will be reaching out to select seniors with the opportunity to review their accounts and offer personalized payment assistance options.
Seniors who want to participate in the Senior Check-In can call 888-535-9280 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will be connected with various payment assistance resources that apply to their situation.
Consumers said senior citizens qualify for the following assistance:
- Winter Protection: Pay part of your charges through winter months while being protected from a service disconnect during the season.
- Electric Senior Citizen Bill Credits: This income assistance credit is designed to help seniors on fixed incomes.
- The Electric Senior Citizen provision helps you with your electric bill with an added credit of $4 to your bill each month. Qualifying customers must meet age requirements and be the head of the household.
- If you are eligible to receive the Electric Income Assistance credit, you will no longer receive the Electric Senior Citizen credit.
Other resources available to seniors include:
- Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency: Local agencies that are located within communities around the state that provide a variety of senior services and activities.
- Elder Law of Michigan: Older adults and people with disabilities can get help paying for the cost of basic needs like food, medicine, healthcare, utilities, housing, and taxes.
- If your income is at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for the Home Heating Credit. You may apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2024 tax year to help pay your energy bill. Even if you live in a rented apartment, mobile home or your income does not require you to file taxes, you can still apply for this credit. The deadline for filing the 2024 Michigan Home Heating Credit Claim MI-1040CR-7 is Sept. 30.
Additional help is available for anyone who needs help with their energy bill by calling 211 or visiting consumersenergy.com/assistance.
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