Gov. Snyder signs bill creating $50 million low-income heating assistance fund.
“LANSING — The Michigan Public Service Commission could act as soon as its next meeting on July 11 to order electric utilities to add a $1-a-month surcharge to all electric bills to create a low-income heating assistance fund.
The action can come after Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill into law today authorizing the MPSC to create the fund, which is expected to raise up to $50 million for the fund to make sure the heat stays on for low-income residents in the winter.
Although the commission’s agenda hasn’t been released yet, MPSC spokeswoman Judy Palnau said the issue could come up at the regularly scheduled July 11 meeting.
While the MPSC authorizes the creation of the fund, the Michigan Department of Human Services will distribute the money to needy residents.”
By Kathleen Gray
While this fund does come with the price of $1 increase to Electric bill costs for regular user, it will help low income families in southeast Michigan keep their heat on. I can’t tell you how many times I have a client come into our office very close to shut off on their Heat. This is a need based program that will help alleviate some of the stress that low income families in southeast Michigan feel during the winter months. It comes at a relatively low cost to the average user, but will dramatically decrease the pain and suffering of those less fortunate. It is a small price to pay for ensuring the people of Southeast Michigan have basic needs we should be obligated to provide.
