Michigan winters present significant challenges for residents, particularly when it comes to heating costs. For seniors living on fixed incomes, staying warm can become a financial burden that forces difficult choices between basic necessities.
- Consumers Energy offers winter assistance for Michigan seniors 65+, including $4 monthly electric bill credits and shut-off protection.
- Programs help seniors on fixed incomes who struggle with heating costs during harsh Michigan winters.
- Local senior calls assistance "a really great thing" that gives hope to struggling seniors.
Cathy Howe, who turned 65 in August, understands these struggles firsthand. The Michigan resident works part-time and says while she's managing financially, she knows many seniors who face daily challenges meeting their basic needs during the winter months.
"Well this time of year, seniors struggle with just their basic needs every day," Howe said.
Relief may be coming for Michigan seniors through new assistance programs announced by Consumers Energy. The utility company is offering targeted help for customers 65 and older to help them stay warm and safe during the harsh winter months.
Brian Wheeler from Consumers Energy explained the motivation behind the initiative, emphasizing the company's focus on vulnerable populations during cold weather.
"It's cold, so I think everybody's concerned about staying warm and their bills. But in particular, we want to highlight help that's available for people who are 65 and older," Wheeler said.
The assistance package for seniors includes several key components designed to ease financial pressure during winter months. Eligible customers will receive a $4 monthly credit on their electric bills. The program also features a Winter Protection Plan that shields seniors from service shut-offs and higher payments between November and March.
Additionally, Consumers Energy offers an 18-month protection plan specifically for seniors who are struggling to pay their energy bills, providing extended relief from potential service disconnections.
Wheeler emphasized that energy services represent more than just utilities for customers, particularly during Michigan's challenging winter season.
"When we talk about electricity or natural gas, we're really talking about safety and comfort. Particularly when it's cold, there's that sensitivity to the idea of losing power for a difficult situation," Wheeler said.
For Howe, learning about these programs brought a sense of hope and community support. She admitted she wasn't previously aware of the assistance options, including the monthly bill credit.
"I just think the fact that Consumers is just doing this for seniors in general is just a really great thing for them. It gives them hope that people out there care," Howe said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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