Winter is practically here, and American families have to prepare for it. Combating winter not only involves bringing out the warmest pajamas and blankets, but also dealing with an increase in the electricity bill. That is why Consumers Energy, the largest energy provider in the state of Michigan, is offering eligible consumers a credit to help with heating their homes. Eligible Consumers Energy customers can apply for this credit through the State Treasury Department starting January 1, 2026. The agency that administers this program is funded by the federal program called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), whose purpose is to provide assistance to those who struggle to pay their bills.
Thanks to these funds, the CARE Program (Consumers Affordable Resource of Energy) has been launched, a monthly payment plan that offers some customers a fixed monthly bill at an affordable price. To access this program, a series of eligibility requirements must be met. In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced that it has also increased the amount granted to customers who seek assistance through the state Emergency Relief Fund (SER). Besides Michigan, there are other states where energy credit is also offered, such as California, North Dakota, or Tennessee.
The arrival of winter threatens the wallets of Americans
Cold-loving individuals are already starting to be happy with the arrival of autumn, but like everything, it also has its downside. Not only will we have to bundle up more, but the cost of energy consumption will also rise, and this will be reflected in the amount to pay on bills. For this reason, some states have taken action, such as Michigan, which has announced that residents who are eligible will be able to access a credit to help pay heating-related bills at home.
According to the announcement from Consumer Energy, the largest energy provider in the state of Michigan, “Michigan’s winter is coming, and Consumers Energy is ready to help customers who may need extra assistance to pay their heating bills this season”.
What does this energy credit consist of?
As I explained to the officials, it is a credit that is automatically applied to the bills of customers who have incomes below 100% of the federal poverty line. It includes an average amount of $250, and customers are exempt from filing taxes in order to be eligible. It will be available starting January 1, 2026, and will be requested through a claim with the state Treasury Department to receive the credit. Authorities have communicated to citizens that if they need help with their energy bill, they can contact nonprofit organizations that can assist them in processing these applications by calling 211.
The CARE Program (Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy)
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the agency in Michigan that provides assistance to those who have difficulty paying their bill. These new credits will be implemented. Thanks to the CARE program (Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy), which offers a monthly payment plan that provides some customers with a fixed monthly bill at an affordable price.Eligibility RequirementsTo access the energy credit from the CARE program, certain requirements must be met:
- Customers must also be at or below 60% of the State Median Income and not have any fraud, theft, or bankruptcy issues without a valid address.
- The customer’s account address must also be their primary residence to qualify.
- There is an exception for a third party who is authorized to apply on behalf of the customer.
As explained, assistance for the program will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is already open. In addition, other programs have seen their amounts increased by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services thanks to the state emergency relief fund (SER).
Other bill credits
There are other states that also facilitate bill payment. This is the case in California, where up to $183 in credits can be obtained. North Dakota, which also offers $1,100 credits for energy bills through LIHEAP, or Tennessee, which provides assistance through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), with amounts ranging from $174 to $750.