May 8, 2008

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order approving $7 million in low-income energy assistance grants to four organizations.

"My fellow Commissioners and I are extremely pleased to announce these grants," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "The grants awarded today will make available much-needed assistance to help low-income customers with their energy bills."

The Commission on March 21 issued a request for proposals for low-income energy assistance grants.  Based on its review, the MPSC awarded the following grants : 

·           Michigan Department of Human Services - $4,016,825 to supplement the energy crisis portion of the State Emergency Relief fund and provide direct assistance with energy bills for low‑income households statewide.

·            Newaygo County Community Services - $383,175 to provide direct assistance with energy bills for low-income households who live in a 10-county region of rural northwest Michigan.

·            The Heat and Warmth Fund - $2,100,000 to provide statewide energy assistance for low‑income households and prevent threatened shutoff of energy services.

·            The Salvation Army - $500,000 to provide direct assistance with energy bills for low-income households statewide.

The grants are part of the Low‑Income and Energy Efficiency Fund, which provides energy bill assistance for low‑income customers and promotes the efficient use of energy by all customer classes.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-13129