A Predicted Cold Winter Means High Heating Bills. Will you Need Help?

Our weather is beautiful now, but if the weather man is right, we should expect another snowy, cold, winter. And with the cold, come the need for heat, and that cost money. Will you be able to afford it?Last winter was a tough one for many Michigan families and no one wants to see the struggle to meet heating bills happen again, so Consumers Energy wants to help, now.

Some 14,000 Michigan households could receive help from Consumers Energy to stay warm this winter through CARE, a program that lets them manage and afford their energy bills.

CARE (Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy) is available to Consumers Energy customers based on their income. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $35,775 or less would be eligible.

Among the program’s other benefits:

 A 40 percent credit on monthly energy charges until September 2015.
 Any outstanding past due balance is frozen and will be reduced as long as participants make regular monthly payments.
 Energy efficiency education, including an opportunity to participate in the Helping Neighbors program, which provides free installation of energy-efficient equipment in your home.

Anyone can learn more at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/CARE, including information on how to enroll. Those who participated in CARE last year and still qualify will need to reapply by Nov. 1 to enroll for the second year.

If you’re concerned at all that you will have trouble paying your bill, call Consumers Energy immediately. They'll work with you.

 Consumers Energy can make arrangements to stretch out payments over time, depending on the situation.
 Consumers Energy offers a monthly discount for seniors, age 65 and older, who are electric customers. Seniors should call 800-477-5050 if they are not already receiving the discount.
 Seniors also are protected from disconnection Nov. 1 through March 31.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com