Michigan State Public Benefit Funds for Rate Assistance

Michigan’s 2000 restructuring law legislation created the Low-Income Energy and Efficiency (LIEE) fund to provide energy payment assistance and fund energy efficiency programs. Beginning in 2002, the Public Service Commission has periodically issued requests for proposals for energy assistance funds and since then it has awarded over $200 million to state agencies and nonprofits for low-income energy assistance. During 2006, it released a total of $66 million for energy assistance.

Arrearage forgiveness and deposit and fee waivers were provided by utilities along with waived security deposits and late penalties; all amounted to over $73 million in 2006. 

The Winter Protection Plan protects qualified seniors and low-income customers from service shut off due to non-payment during the winter months. While enrolled in this program, customers must pay a portion of their estimated annual bill, plus regular payments on any past due bills.

See electric utility restructuring.

LEVERAGING

2006: $52.4 million

LEGISLATIVE CODE

U-13129 - Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund) - 2/21/2002

Page Last Updated: August 8, 2007