• State Emergency Relief (SER) Online Application
The Michigan Department of Human Services launched a new online application for energy-related State Emergency Relief (SER) in June to increase access to low-income residents who are in need year-round. The SER program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It's designed to maintain low-income households normally able to meet their needs, but that occasionally need help when unexpected emergencies arise.

• Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Consumer Alerts and Brochures
Alerts and brochures with important utility information are available from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

• Information about Direct Payments to Heat Providers
Public Act 335 of 2004 requires the Michigan Department of Treasury to send all Home Heating Credit drafts directly to heat providers. Initially, this change in the program will affect only Department of Human Services (DHS) clients who are also customers of Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and SEMCO Gas. This program is scheduled to begin in January 2005.

• What is LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program administered by the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS). It is designed to help eligible low-income households meet the high cost of home heating.