October 24, 2006

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today reminded customers that now is the time to "Be WinterWise" and increase the energy efficiency of their homes. The MPSC's updated Be WinterWise Web site contains conservation tips, as well as information on financial assistance programs available for low-income customers.

"While natural gas bills this heating season are expected to be about $20 less per month than last winter, it is still wise to make energy efficient improvements now - before the cold temperatures take hold," said MPSC Chairman J. Peter Lark.

Easy energy saving tips include:

• Cleaning or replacing furnace filters regularly, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  
  
• Lowering the thermostat on your water heater. A setting of 120 degrees is comfortable for most uses.
  
  
• Adding insulation to attics and walls, if needed.
  
  
• Installing a programmable thermostat that automatically dials down the temperature at night and when no one is home.
  
  
• Insulating gas or oil hot-water storage tank and pipes, being careful not to cover the thermostat.

To save even more money, the MPSC notes that federal tax credits for certain energy efficient improvements are available for improvements made in 2006 and 2007. Tax credits vary depending on the type of improvement, but can be substantial. More information is available on the U.S. Department of Energy's Web site: doe.gov.

For low-income customers, the MPSC today also announced $45 million in grants for low-income energy assistance. Another $15 million in grants will soon be awarded for low-income energy efficiency.

Additional help for low-income customers will come from a new, voluntary agreement with Michigan natural gas and electric utilities designed to protect more people from winter shut-offs. Customers should contact their local utilities for more information.

Other financial assistance programs are:

• Utility budget payment plans, available to any residential customer.

• The Michigan Home Heating Credit form (MI-1040CR-7), with instructions from the Michigan Department of Treasury, will be sent to those who filed a Home Heating Credit in 2006. If you do not receive a home heating credit booklet, they are available on-line at http://www.michigan.gov/treasury . Forms will also be available by the end of January wherever tax forms are located. After February, forms will be available by calling 1-800-367-6263. Forms must be filed by September 30, 2007.

• Local Michigan Department of Human Services offices administer the State Emergency Relief Program.

• 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.

Other conservation tips are available at energysavers.org or by calling the MPSC at 1-800-292-9555.

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