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Please Read: Regarding the State Emergency Relief Program

Please note: State Emergency Relief is no longer available. All SER applications will be denied due to insufficient funding. Additional help is available. Dial 2-1-1 to get connected with other local resources. State Emergency Relief will be available again starting Oct. 1, 2024.

We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.

We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.

We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.

We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.

We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.

We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.

• CARE Program
• Longer Term Assistance Programs
• One Time Assistance Programs

Finding it Hard to Pay Your Bill?

These payment assistance programs offer the help you need.

Find Helpful Payment Assistance Programs

Many in our community are struggling. We might be able to help. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll suggest financial assistance programs that could be a good fit for you.

I need help with budgeting and would like to even out my payments or pay off my balance over time. Select

Budget Plan

Flex Pay

Please select all that apply

CARE Program

The Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program is an affordable payment plan that offers monthly payments at a fixed, affordable rate. Plus, if you make payments on time your past due balance will be gradually forgiven.

Home Heating Credit Program

If your income is at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, you may apply for a Home Heating Credit from the State of Michigan to help pay winter heating bills (includes rented apartments and mobile homes).

Helping Neighbors Program

The Helping Neighbors Program will provide a free expert energy assessment of your home. You may also be eligible for free energy upgrades like insulating pipes, installing free LED bulbs, showerheads and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators.

You may also qualify for a special Veteran Only programs:

Active Duty Shut-Off Protection

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF)

Other programs you might be interested in:

211 for Local Resources

Shutoff Protection Plan

Budget Plan

One Time Assistance

Longer Term Assistance

An Affordable Payment Plan
If you need help with your energy bill, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program may be right for you.

As a CARE member, you will get these benefits:

• Your monthly payments will be at a fixed, affordable rate.
• Any past due balance you might have will be forgiven over time as a reward for on time payments.

Pay Off Your Balance on Your Own Schedule

Finding it hard to make your payments on time? With a payment arrangement, you can pay off your balance little by little on a schedule that best fits you.

How it works:
First, you put an initial down payment towards your balance. Then, the rest of your balance is split between even payments over time. Payments can be made weekly, bi-weekly and monthly.

Eligibility, payment amounts and length of the payment arrangement plan depend on these factors:

• Length of service
• How many times shut off notices were received in a 12-month period
• Number of times service was turned off due to missing a payment
• Number of payment arrangement defaults in a 12-month period
• Number of payments returned for non-sufficient funds

The Budget Plan

Get a Consistent Payment Year-Round
If your past due balance is less than $75, consider our Budget Plan. The Budget Plan helps you avoid high bills during times of higher energy use.

The Budget Plan may be a good option for you if:

• You want a bill that you can predict each month
• You have a past due balance of no more than $75
• You haven’t defaulted on your payment more than two times in the last year

• Shut-off Protection – Active Duty in the Military: If you (or your spouse) are the main contact for your account and are called to full-time active military service, you may request protection from disconnection. This protection may last for up to 90 days. You may also request an extension by reapplying.
  • If you (or your spouse) are the customer of record and you’re called to full-time active military service, you may apply for shut-off protection for up to 90 days. After 90 days, you may request to extend this extension by reapplying.
    • You must verify your active duty status.
    • At the end of active duty, you must let us know of your change in status.
    • You still will need to pay for the energy you used while you were in this program.
    • We will set up a payment plan for all past due amounts to be paid within one year.
    • To join, call us at 800-477-5050.
    Programs for Seniors
    • Winter Protection Plan: Pay part of your charges through winter months while being protected from a service disconnect during the season.
    • Electric Senior Citizen Bill Credits: This income assistance credit is designed to help seniors on fixed incomes.
      • The Electric Senior Citizen provision helps you with your electric bill with an added credit of $4.00 to your bill each month. Qualifying customers must meet age requirements and be the head of the household.
      • If you are eligible to receive the Electric Income Assistance credit, you will no longer receive the Electric Senior Citizen credit.
      • Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency: Local agencies that are located within communities around the state that provide a variety of senior services and activities.
      • Elder Law of Michigan: Older adults and people with disabilities can get help paying for the cost of basic needs like food, medicine, healthcare, utilities, housing and taxes.
      Do you have a life-threatening medical condition or need life support?
      • Critical Care Program: If you are on life support or have a life-threatening medical condition, you can be protected from a shut-off. Please complete the Medical Certification Form to get started. Please note, if you have life support shut-off protection, you need to re-enroll every year.
        • PLEASE NOTE: Backup generators and transportation services are not part of this program. Being in this program does not mean your electric power will be restored sooner than others.

        • Your third-party contact is not responsible for paying your bill but may act as a liaison between you and Consumers Energy. To set up Third Party Notifications, call us at 800-477-5050.
        Do I qualify for assistance?

        We partner with several agencies across the state who provide energy assistance. Check your income below to see if you’re eligible for an energy assistance program.

        Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL):

        * Some non-profit agencies might provide assistance to households with a higher income level. Please contact the agency for details.

        Residential Income Assistance Credit – If you are below 150% of the federal level, you may qualify for additional assistance credits toward your monthly gas and electric bill. To determine eligibility, complete the Residential Income Assistance Credit Self Attestation form and return to energyassistance@cmsenergy.com or fax to 517-325-8227.

        Third Party Notification
        • We’ll send a copy of any shut-off notice you receive to a third party, with your written authorization. This may include a consenting friend, relative or agency.

        Michigan Energy Assistance Program

        We work with agencies to provide energy assistance programs that include help paying energy bills, household budgeting and energy efficiency.

        Call 2-1-1 or contact one of the participating agencies below:
        

        The United Way
        of South Central Michigan
        uwenergyhelp.org
        517-741-0202
        

        Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity
        micommunityaction.org
        Or contact your local
        Community Action Agency
        

        Payment Assistance Guides

        ATTENTION: State Emergency Relief

        Anyone applying for State Emergency Relief will receive a denial due to insufficient funding. Customers can call 2-1-1 or one of the agencies listed under the Michigan Energy Assistance Program section for other assistance options.

        AVISO: El Programa Estatal de Alivio de Emergencia (SER)

        Cualquier persona que solicite para el Programa Estatal de Alivio de Emergencia (SER) será denegada. Llama al número 2-1-1 o a una de las agencias listado bajo la sección ‘Michigan Energy Assistance Program’ para otras opciones de asistencia.