For more information, contact a SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company Customer Service Representative at 1-800-624-2019 or call the Department of Human Services Energy Hotline at 1-800-292-5650. The programs listed below are in effect for the Winter 2012-2013 heating season:
Winter Protection Plan
Contact: SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company
Effective Dates: November 1-March 31
Eligibility: You may qualify for the Winter Protection Plan if you have a household income at or below 150 percent of poverty level. The income guidelines are listed in the chart below. You may also qualify if you are at least 65 or if you receive assistance from DHS, including food stamps, SSI, or Medicaid.
Winter Protection Plan Form
| Household Size |
Maximum Income |
| One |
$16,755 |
| Two |
$22,695 |
| Three |
$28,635 |
| Four |
$34,575 |
Add $5,940 for each additional household member
Provisions:
If you qualify, you will be required to pay 7 percent of your estimated annual heating bill during the heating season, plus a portion of your arrears. When the protection period ends on March 31, your payment amount will change. You must pay your full monthly bill plus a portion of the balance remaining from the heating season. You may also choose to pay the remaining heating season balance or pre-enrollment balance and enroll in the Budget Billing plan.
Customers must apply through SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company for the program and may have to demonstrate having made application for state assistance. Applicants may enroll November 1 by making a required budget paymement. Please contact SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company for your budget amount.
Home Heating Credit
Contacts: SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company, or the Michigan Department of the Treasury.
Eligibility: Income Guidelines listed below
Provisions: This program runs from January through September. An energy draft is issued to a customer by the State of Michigan and is used for the payment of heating bills. Additional benefits may be available if a customer is at least 65, deaf, blind, or has another disability. The customer does not have to file a state tax return to be eligible for this program. Gas usage needed for the application can be found on your monthly bill starting in January.
Home Heating Credit Form
| Exemptions |
Income Ceiling |
| One |
$12,299 |
| Two |
$16,671 |
| Three |
$21,014 |
| Four |
$25,357 |
| Five |
$29,728 |
| Six |
$34,071 |
For each exemption over six, add $4,343
Earned Income Credit
Contact: Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov), Tax Preparer, or U.S. Treasury Department
Eligibility: Work full or part time. You must file a tax return.
Provisions: Those who qualify will owe less in taxes and may get a refund.
State Earned Income Credit
Contact: Michigan Department of Treasury
Eligibility: Work full or part time. You must file a tax return.
Provisions: Those who qualify will owe less in taxes and may get a refund.
Consolidated Vendor Warrant Program (CVW)
Contact: Department of Human Services (DHS)
Eligibility: DHS clients
Provisions: This program can aid in the payment of utility bills. Contact your local DHS office for qualification guidelines.
Medical Emergency Protection
Contact: SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company
Eligibility: All customers
Provisions: If you have a qualifying, documented, and temporary medical emergency, you could be protected from energy shut-off for nonpayment of your bill for up to 21 days. You must provide written proof from a doctor that a medical emergency exists.
State Emergency Relief (SER)
Contact: Department of Human Services (DHS)
Eligibility: Low-income customers
Provisions: This program is available year-round to low-income households and provides help with heating bills and restoring gas service. You do not have to be a DHS client to be eligible.
Home Weatherization
Contact: Community Action Agency (CAA)
Eligibility: Low-income homeowners and renters
Provisions: Customers can get help winterizing their residences. Services include caulking, insulation, and weather stripping. These weatherization services can help you reduce your energy use and lower your utility bills.
Link Up/Lifeline
Contact: Local telephone carrier
Eligibility: Households obtaining assistance from state or federal programs, or qualified low-income
Provisions: The Lifeline/Link Up Program offers basic residential telephone service at reduced rates. For more information please visit the Michigan Public Service Commission website at www.michigan.gov/mpsc
Military Protection
Contact: SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company
Eligibility: Customer of record with the utility is called to full time active military service by the President of the United States or the Governor of Michigan during a declared national or state emergency or war
Provisions: You may apply for shutoff protection for up to 90 days. Extensions may be requested. Verification of active duty status may be required.
Senior Winter Shut Off Protection
Contact: SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company
Eligibility: Customer of record is at least 65
Provisions: Eligible customers may receive increased protection from gas service shut off during the heating season. Please contact SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company at 1-800-624-2019 to determine if you qualify.
In addition to the above agencies the United Way may also be able to direct you to additional services that are offered in your area. The united Way can be reached at 2-1-1 (dialed from your home telephone), which is a free phone service that links people with information or agencies that can help with utility assistance and other needs. Calls are confidential and answered 24 hours a day, 7days a week. Translation service is available. If 2-1-1 is not available in your area, consult your local phone directory for the united way office nearest you.
Contact SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company any time you think you will not be able to pay your entire bill. We will work with you to set up a payment plan to keep your bill current and avoid the risk of service shutoff.
For more information, contact SEMCO ENERGY at 1-800-624-2019.
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