The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order approving $55 million in low-income energy assistance grants to eight 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 just as we enter the heating months."

The Commission on March 29 issued a request for proposal for low-income energy assistance grants.  Based on its review, the MPSC awarded the following grants :

• Department of Human Services - $35 million to supplement the energy crisis portion of the State Emergency Relief program that will provide direct assistance with energy bills and shut‑off protection for low-income households statewide.
  
• Downriver Community Conference - $1 million to provide direct assistance with energy bills and shut-off protection for low-income households in Wayne and Monroe 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 - $3 million to provide direct assistance with energy bills and shut-off protection for low-income households statewide.
  
• Newaygo County Community Services - $3 million to provide direct assistance with energy bills and shut-off protection for 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 direct assistance with energy bills and shut‑off protection for low-income households in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
  
• The Heat and Warmth Fund - $6 million to provide direct assistance with energy bills and shut-off protection for low‑income households throughout the state.
  
• The Salvation Army - $6,200,000 to provide direct assistance with energy bills and shut-off protection for 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