October 29, 2003

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today held the kickoff of its “Be WinterWise” campaign to highlight the increase in natural gas prices, what customers can do to lower their bills, and financial assistance available to those who qualify.

“Today, we are announcing the start of a Be WinterWise campaign designed to do three things:

• increase public awareness about higher prices;
• provide practical suggestions on how to reduce bills; and
• publicize the financial assistance programs.

“You’d be surprised what a tremendous difference dialing down and a little weather-stripping can make,” said MPSC Chair J. Peter Lark.

Lark highlighted the following tips to reduce heating bills:

• lower thermostats or install a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers temperatures at night and when no one is home;
• clean or replace furnace filters;
• caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows; and
• add insulation to attics and walls.

Recognizing that low-income people may need financial assistance paying their natural gas bills, Lark emphasized that the following programs exist:

• Utilities have budget payment plans.
• Winter protection plans, created by the MPSC and administered by utilities, are available for senior citizens aged 65 and older, people receiving assistance from the Family Independence Agency or people with incomes below 150 percent of the poverty level.
• The Michigan Home Heating Credit from the Michigan Department of Treasury.  Forms will be available online on Jan. 2, 2004 and at www.michigan.gov/treasury and in public offices after Feb. 1, 2004.
• Local Family Independence Agency offices administer a State Emergency Relief Program and
• The Internal Revenue Service offers an Earned Income Credit on federal tax forms.

The MPSC offers low-income and energy efficiency grants to agencies that offer help with heating bills to those who qualify.   At its Commission meeting today, the MPSC authorized $13 million in grants to four organizations for low-income energy assistance.

For more on natural gas prices and conservation tips, people should visit the MPSC Web site at

http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,1607,7-159-16368_27179---,00.html . 

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

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