The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order approving $55 million in low-income energy assistance grants to nine organizations for the fiscal year beginning October 1.

"My fellow Commissioners and I are extremely pleased to announce these grants," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "The grants awarded today will provide much-needed assistance for low-income customers with their energy bills as we enter the heating months."

The Commission on April 2 issued a request for proposals for low-income energy assistance grants.  Based on its review, the MPSC awarded the following grants:

• Department of Human Services - $35 million in total to provide direct assistance with energy bills for low-income households statewide divided as follows: $25,550,000 to supplement the energy crisis portion of the State Emergency Relief program and $9,450,000 for the arrearage payment program for clients participating in the Winter Protection Plan or similar plan that offers shutoff protection during the heating season.
  
  
• Downriver Community Conference - $900,000 to provide direct assistance with energy bills for low-income households in Wayne and Monroe counties.
  
  
• Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. - $150,000 to provide direct assistance with heating bills and shut-off protection for low-income tribal families within Allegan, Calhoun, Chippewa, Emmet, Gogebic, Isabella and Menominee counties.
  
  
• Lighthouse Emergency Services - $300,000 to provide direct assistance with energy bills and shut‑off protection for low-income households in Oakland County.
  
  
• Michigan Community Action Agency Association - $4,150,000 to provide direct energy assistance for low-income households statewide.
  
  
• Newaygo County Community Services - $3 million to provide energy assistance and shut-off protection to low-income households in Benzie, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Wexford counties.
  
  
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul - $500,000 to provide energy assistance to low-income residential customers in Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Wayne counties.
  
  
• The Heat and Warmth Fund - $5 million to provide energy assistance to low‑income residential customers throughout the state.
  
  
• The Salvation Army - $6 million to provide energy assistance to low‑income households statewide.

The grants are part of the Low‑Income and Energy Efficiency Fund, which provides energy bill assistance for low‑income customers and promotes the efficient use of energy by all customer classes. 

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

Case No. U-13129