Michigan PSC Releases $45 Million
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on October 24 awarded nine organizations $45 million in grants to help low-income utility customers with their bills. The grants come from the Low-Income and Energy Assistance Fund and were issued two months after the Commission requested proposals on August 21.
Most of the money was awarded to the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), the LIHEAP grantee. Of the $31 million DHS received, $28 million will be spent under the State Emergency Relief and Energy Direct program to prevent threatened shutoff of energy services, and $3 million for the Arrearage Payment program.
Other recipients included:
- The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) - $4.8 million for the THAW Low-Income/Energy Efficiency program.
- Salvation Army - $4.8 million to serve households statewide ineligible for assistance from DHS or for whom such assistance is insufficient or not available.
- Michigan Community Action Agency Association - $2,332,000 for low-income direct energy assistance.
- Newaygo County - $1 million to assist clients in a ten-county area ineligible for the State Emergency Relief Program or for whom such assistance is insufficient or would not be available in time to avert an emergency.
- Downriver Community Conference - $500,000 for energy assistance to low-income households in the Monroe and southern Wayne County areas.
- Lighthouse Emergency Services - $250,000 to assist clients in the City of Pontiac and Oakland County areas who are ineligible for assistance from the DHS or for whom such assistance is insufficient or would not be provided in time to avert an emergency.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Detroit - $200,000 for low-income direct energy assistance.
- Capital Area Community Services - $100,000 for low-income direct energy assistance.
- City of Livonia Housing Commission - $18,000 for low-income direct energy assistance.
Source: MPSC
Page Last Updated: October 26, 2006
