With temperatures down and natural gas bills up around the nation, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chair J. Peter Lark this week is reminding Michigan utility customers that there are many low-cost actions they can take now to lower their winter heating bills.  He also outlined financial assistance programs available to low-income utility customers.

“The good news is that Michigan’s natural gas prices are among the lowest in the nation; the bad news is that prices are up this winter,” said Lark.  “The average Michigan utility customer can expect monthly natural gas bills to be $18 to $20 higher this winter, compared to last winter.”

Lark noted that there are many simple, low-cost actions people can take to reduce natural gas consumption, such as the following:

• Lowering thermostats or installing a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers temperatures at night and when no one is home.

• Cleaning or replacing furnace filters.

• Lowering the thermostat on water heaters to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows; and

• Adding insulation to attics and walls, if needed.

Lark also highlighted the financial assistance programs for which low-income utility customers may be eligible.  “Since 2002, the MPSC’s Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund has awarded over $135 million in grants to Michigan agencies to provide shut-off and other protection for low-income customers and to promote energy efficiency by all customer classes.

“I’m pleased to report that the MPSC’s Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund is now permanent and will provide $40 million annually to help those in need,” noted Lark.  “The Salvation Army, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), the Family Independence Agency, and Michigan Community Action Agencies are some of the major recipients.”

Other financial assistance programs are:

• Utilities’ budget payment plans, available to any residential customer

• The Winter Protection Plan, created by the MPSC and administered by utilities, is available for senior citizens aged 65 and older, people receiving assistance from the Family Independence Agency or people with incomes at or below 150 percent of the poverty level.

• The Michigan Home Heating Credit from the Michigan Department of Treasury.  Residents who received a Home Heating Credit for tax year 2003 should receive a form for tax year 2004 in the mail in early January next year.  After February 1, 2005, forms will be available by calling 1-800-367-6263 and in many public offices.  Forms must be filed by September 30, 2005.

• Local Family Independence Agency offices administer a State Emergency Relief Program; and

• The Internal Revenue Service offers an Earned Income Credit on federal tax forms.

The MPSC’s “Be WinterWise” campaign is designed to make people aware of higher natural gas prices, to provide information on what people can do now to lower their bills and to provide information on the variety of financial assistance programs available to low-income utility customers.  More information is available on the “Be WinterWise” Web site located at:  michigan.gov/bewinterwise.  Conservation tips are also available by calling the MPSC’s toll-free phone number:  1-800-292-9555.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.