JACKSON, Mich. (AP) — Consumers Energy says it has contributed $10 million to help customers in need to pay their energy bills.
The Jackson-based utility says the contribution is part of efforts to help Michigan residents stay safe and warm this winter.
Consumers Energy says it provided $2 million to help eligible customers with energy bills in October and $8 million in December.
The funding is expected to help up to 7,000 households enter Consumers Energy's CARE program or facilitate them receiving additional aid to pay energy bills. The CARE program allows customers to get on a path to self-sufficiency by providing an affordable payment plan with monthly credits and gradual forgiveness of past-due balances to reward on-time payments.
Participants also qualify for energy-saving tools, including free in-home energy efficiency upgrades.
