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Be Summerwise

Be Summerwise

For the most fulfilling summer experience, you can reduce your energy usage, keeping your wallet and your family happy. Energy efficiency doesn't mean doing less; it means doing as much or more but using less energy to get it done.

Just in time for summer, learn how you can reduce usage, save on your energy bills, and relax in comfort while saving money. The following tips and resources can help you prepare for a hot summer! 

Use Energy Efficiently and Save Money - All electric and natural gas utilities offer energy efficiency programs for customers to cut their energy bills. To learn more about reducing your energy use visit the Energy Saver page.

Plan Ahead - Many utility companies have Budget Billing Plans that can spread out your peak energy bills.

Get Protection - Eligible active duty military personnel and low-income customers may qualify for shut-off protection through various programs. Contact your utility for additional information.

Get Educated - The Michigan Public Service Commission provides Consumer Tips that give helpful advice for saving money during summer months.

Be Helpful - Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors during extreme weather.

Be Proactive - Review your monthly bills to confirm actual meter reads and contact your utility if your bill is estimated. A high estimated bill could result in overpayment, while a low estimated bill may require payment of a larger bill later. When you know you will be unable to pay your bill by the due date do not wait for a shut off notice. Contact your utility company.

Ways to Beat the Heat

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Keep shades and curtains drawn during the day
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Unplug electronics when not in use
  • Dress for summer
  • Turn off the lights
  • Embrace air-conditioned public spaces
  • Use your grill to cook instead of the stove or oven
  • Listen to weather alerts
  • Avoid activities during the hottest part of the day
  • More Tips
Lake Michigan Shoreline - Summerwise Photo

Programs

Budget Billing Plan

Take the seasonal ups and downs out of your energy bills and pay the same amount each month. Contact your gas or electric company to enroll.

State Emergency Relief

Income-eligible households may receive assistance with heat or electric bills during extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to learn more. Call 2-1-1 to learn about other energy assistance programs. 

Please note that the State Emergency Relief (SER) Program provides financial assistance to Michigan residents facing extreme hardship or emergencies that threaten health and safety. One part of that program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), consists of federal funds for crisis assistance for energy-related services such as heating and electricity.

Military/Veteran Assistance

Families of Veterans and Active-Duty Military Personnel can receive emergency financial assistance to pay electric, oil, gas, and other heating fuels. Contact the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Medical Emergency Protection

Protections are available for those in a medical emergency, whose health would be aggravated by lack of utility service; and critical care customers, whose medical equipment or life support system would be immediately life-threatening without utility service. Contact your gas or electric company for more information.

Utility Energy Efficiency Programs

Income-eligible households can receive free caulking, weather stripping, insulation, and more to help conserve energy. Visit our Energy Waste Reduction page for additional information.

Additional Resources