Putting Customers First: Updated Policy Unlocks More Energy Bill Assistance for Those in Need

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) has announced an enhanced State Emergency Relief (SER) policy that expands financial assistance for income-qualified customers. The new policy allows eligible customers to receive up to $500 in support per utility service, regardless of their past-due balance.

Under the updated guidelines, both new applicants and previous SER recipients who haven't reached the $500 cap can apply for additional funding through September 30, 2025. This expansion follows significant impact in the previous year, where 540,000 customers received $38.4M in relief funding, benefiting 137,000 families across 30 Michigan counties.

The company, serving 6.8 million residents across Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has also launched "My Personalized Offerings," a free tool helping customers identify and enroll in payment assistance and energy management programs.

Positive

• Increased accessibility to financial assistance with up to $500 per utility service
• Expanded eligibility allowing customers to receive remaining funds up to the cap
• Significant reach demonstrated by $38.4M in relief funding distributed last year
• Launch of new 'My Personalized Offerings' tool for easier program enrollment

Negative

• None.

Consumers Energy reinforces its commitment to affordability by helping income-qualified customers access additional State Emergency Relief funds – providing up to $500 in support per utility service

JACKSON, Mich., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy's electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief (SER) funds and haven't received the full $500 annual payment credit may now qualify for additional assistance under a new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policy in effect immediately.

State Emergency Relief dollars help certain income-qualified customers take control of their past due energy bills up to a maximum of $500. The one-time federal funds disbursed at the state level are distributed to customers who apply and whose household income is 150% of the federal poverty level or below.

Beginning July 7, new customer applicants who haven't received relief in Fiscal Year 2025, which ends Sept. 30, are eligible to receive the $500 per commodity cap, regardless of their past-due balance.

Previous SER recipients who have already received funding since October 1, 2024—but haven't reached the $500 per commodity cap—can apply for the remaining amount starting July 11 through Sept. 30. These payments may result in a credit on the customer's account.

"We're dedicated to equity, accessibility and affordability for Michiganders who count on us for reliable electricity and natural gas," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's senior vice president, chief customer and growth officer. "Through our various energy savings programs, energy assistance offerings and partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we support the growing needs of our customers who experience challenges paying their bills."

Under the former policy, for example, a customer who owes $250 to keep their account active could apply, and, if approved, get a credit paid back in that amount but would not have been eligible for additional relief in the same fiscal year. Under the new policy, however, that customer could now receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed of $500 if they have accumulated additional arrears.

Last year, 540,000 customers received $38.4M in State Emergency Relief funding. In total, 137,000 families across 30 Michigan counties received some type of energy assistance. 

In addition to State Emergency Relief funds, there is additional help available for anyone who needs assistance with their energy bills by calling 2-1-1, a free resource that connects people with nonprofit organizations. Customers can also visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance. 

To make it easier for customers to find the help they need based on their situation, Consumers Energy recently launched "My Personalized Offerings," an easy-to-use tool that empowers customers to identify and enroll in custom payment assistance and energy management programs. The optional tool is free and available to all customers at ConsumersEnergy.com/Offers  

More resources:

My Bridges – State Emergency Relief - see if you qualify or to apply

Contact your local DHHS office here

Federal poverty level guidelines

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy 

 

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What is the new State Emergency Relief policy change at Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS)?

The new policy allows income-qualified customers to receive up to $500 in support per utility service, regardless of their past-due balance, and previous recipients can apply for remaining funds up to the cap through September 30, 2025.

How many customers received assistance from Consumers Energy's relief program in the previous year?

540,000 customers received $38.4M in State Emergency Relief funding, with 137,000 families across 30 Michigan counties receiving some form of energy assistance.

Who qualifies for Consumers Energy's State Emergency Relief assistance?

Customers whose household income is 150% of the federal poverty level or below qualify for the State Emergency Relief assistance program.

How can customers access Consumers Energy's assistance programs?

Customers can call 2-1-1, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance, or use the new 'My Personalized Offerings' tool at ConsumersEnergy.com/Offers to identify and enroll in assistance programs.

How many customers does Consumers Energy serve in Michigan?

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties with natural gas and/or electricity services.