November 8, 2007

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today noted that it has made available $70 million in energy assistance and energy efficiency grants to a number of Michigan organizations to help low-income customers this winter heating season.

"With temperatures falling, it is good to know that the customers who need it most will be able to apply for much-needed assistance in paying their bills and to make their homes more energy efficient," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu. 

The MPSC made $50 million in grants for energy assistance to the following organizations:

• Department of Human Services (DHS) - $30,900,000 in total. $25,900,000 for the State Emergency Relief and Energy Direct program to prevent threatened shut-off of energy services and $5 million for the Arrearage Payment program.
• Downriver Community Conference - $500,000 for energy assistance to low-income households in the Monroe and southern Wayne County areas.
• Lighthouse Emergency Services - $200,000 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.
• Michigan Community Action Agency Association - $5 million for low-income direct energy assistance.
• Newaygo County Community Services - $1 million to assist clients in a 10 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.
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Detroit - $400,000 for low-income direct energy assistance.
• The Heat and Warmth Fund - $6 million for the THAW LI/EE program.
• The Salvation Army - $6 million to serve households statewide ineligible for assistance from DHS or for whom such assistance is insufficient or not available.
  

The MPSC made $20 million in grants for energy efficiency to the following organizations:

• DHS - $13,925,000 in total for statewide distribution to low-income households for energy efficiency upgrades, with up to 20 percent of the grant available for energy education.
• Habitat for Humanity of Michigan - $275,000 for energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households in Michigan, scheduled for construction in 2008.
• Michigan Community Action Agency Association - $2 million in total for statewide distribution to provide weatherization upgrades for low-income households, with up to 20 percent to be spent on client weatherization education.
• Michigan GREEN - $500,000 for purchase and distribution of energy saving kits to low-income multi-unit facilities throughout Michigan.
• Newaygo County Community Services - $600,000 for weatherization of low-income homes in the mid-Michigan area.
• Nova Development Group of Detroit, L.L.C. - $1,400,000 for energy efficiency upgrades and installations for low-income multi-family dwellings throughout Michigan.
• United Way Community Services for Southeastern Michigan - $500,000 for matching grants to non-profit facilities for energy efficiency upgrade, energy efficiency audits, and energy efficiency weatherization education.
• Urban Options, Inc. - $600,000 for weatherization of low-income clients' homes, with a focus on heating systems, energy kits, and energy education throughout Michigan.
• Warm Training Center - $200,000 for energy education for customers who receive energy assistance.

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

Case No. U-13129