January 12, 2006
January 12, 2006
Letter to Public Service Commission Requests Quick Action to Help Citizens
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today sent a letter to members of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) calling on the Commission to immediately make $25 million available for additional assistance for citizens struggling to pay the high cost of home heating bills this winter.
“The high cost of home heating has created a serious financial burden for many of our most vulnerable citizens,” Granholm said. “Thanks to the foresight of the MPSC and Consumers Energy, money is available to help, but the Commission must act quickly.”
At their December meeting, MPSC commissioners approved an order for Consumers Energy that substantially increased the amount of funds available for low income and energy efficiency programs. The Governor’s letter requests that the MPSC specifically dedicate $25 million of this funding this year to provide low-income assistance.
In addition to asking the MPSC to act, the Governor also reiterated her commitment to leading a national effort to encourage Congress to increase funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Last September, Granholm joined a bi-partisan group of 28 governors who sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging such action.
“Congress must recognize that covering dramatic increases in natural gas and heating oil prices will pose an immense challenge for our citizens as winter arrives,” the governors wrote. “Immediate emergency funding and a significant increase in regular LIHEAP funding for FY 2006 would allow critical energy needs to be addressed before a crisis develops.”
For more information about the programs available to help deal with high energy costs, go to http://www.michigan.gov/documents/bewinterwise_138994_7.htm.
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