December 20, 2005

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today announced the continuation of a voluntary utility program that provides utility bill discounts to many of Michigan’s homeless shelters.

Under the Homeless Shelter Energy Assistance Credit Program, participating utilities voluntarily contribute up to 25 percent of the winter energy bills to the shelters in their service areas. The utility’s contribution appears as an energy credit on the shelter’s utility bill.

“Last winter, 194 Michigan shelters received credits from DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and Citizens Gas -- the utilities that participated in this program,” said MPSC Chair J. Peter Lark. “These credits, totaling $120,583, expanded the shelters’ ability to provide services to some of Michigan’s neediest citizens.  At a time when shelter finances are stretched, the generosity of the participating utilities is greatly appreciated. The Commission commends the companies that participated last winter and is thankful that they have chosen to participate again this year.”

The Homeless Shelter Energy Assistance Credit Program, which began in 1992, is a cooperative effort between the MPSC and the state’s utility companies.   Interested shelters should contact their utility companies to determine if they participate.

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