ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Last Update: 12/5/06


BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT
P.O. Box 13007
Lansing, MI 48901
Ph: (517) 702-6000
Hotline to report Down Power Lines: (800) 295-5001

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Services: Senior Citizen Electricity Rates: If you are 65 years of age or older, and the head of your household, you may qualify for a special Senior Citizen Electricity Rate.

Other Board of Water and Light entries in this directory


CITY OF LANSING WEATHERIZATION OFFICE
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

316 N. Capitol Ave. D-2
Lansing, MI 48933-1234
Phone: (517) 483-4040
Fax: (517) 483-6036

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Services: Provides weatherization services (insulation, storm door/windows, caulking, weatherstripping, water heater jackets and others) to eligible residents of Lansing who meet income guidelines. Owners occupied homes may be eligible. Maximum dollar limits are allowed for the cost of each dwelling. Work is performed by approved contractors. Please call for more information or to apply.


CONSUMERS ENERGY
530 W. Willow
P.O.Box 30162
Lansing, MI 48909-7662
Ph. 1- 800-477-5050

Telephone Hours: 24 hours a day.

Lobby Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Programs for Senior Citizen Customers

Prime Time Senior Club
Includes a range of special programs and privileges including no late payment charges if payment misses the due date and "Senior Care" credit policy which gives special priority to any bill payment problems. Any Consumers Energy customer age 65 or older may join.

Winter Protection Plan - Senior citizens 65 years and older are automatically protected from shutoff during the winter heating season (December 1 through March 31). Monthly payment arrangements will be made to suit the individual customer's situation. Program participants must make up the difference between their actual December through March bills, and their Winter Protection Plan payments with increased monthly payments for the remainder of the year (May through November). The 2% late payment charge is waived for participating seniors.

Programs for all Customers
Bill Payment Arrangements
Extended payment terms are available to customers having difficulty paying their monthly energy bill on time. Special consideration is given to senior citizens.

Medical Emergency Protection
Customers who have a medical emergency in their home and have been scheduled for shutoff of service can have the shutoff postponed for up to 21 days. Proper notification to Consumers Energy consists of written statement from a doctor, public health official or social service official declaring that a shutoff would aggravate an existing medical emergency.

PeopleCare
Provides help for a range of emergency needs including food, clothing, shelter and energy bills. The Salvation Army administers PeopleCare funds, which are made up of voluntary contributions from Consumers Energy Customers and a $1.5 million bill credit contribution from Consumers Energy. Program funds become available after the first of the year. Bill credits are available on December 1 for energy bill payment problems. Anyone with an emergency need may apply. The Salvation Army will determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Salvation Army for more details.

Red Cross Identification Program - Information provided for people who depend on electrically powered life-support equipment in the home. Learn how to create an emergency plan in the event of a power outage. To request an application form call 1-(800) 477-5050.

Third Party Notification
Customers can request that a copy of any turnoff notice they receive be sent to a consenting friend, relative or agency. The third party is not obligated to pay the bill. However, the notification gives them time to act on the customer's behalf.

Other programs are available for low-income customers and unemployed customers.


ENERGY ASSISTANCE/SHELTER ADVISOR
Tri-County Office on Aging
5303 S. Cedar St.
Lansing, MI 48911-3800
Ph: (517) 887-1440 or 1-800-405-9141
Fax: (517) 887-8071

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Services: Staff available to provide information and direction to the appropriate program concerning energy payment assistance, weatherization, emergency home repair, home improvement grant/loans for senior citizens. Assistance with the various utility rebates and credits (Home Heating Credit, etc.) is available. Various pamphlets and brochures are available as well as staff presentations to groups. Staff also serve as advocates to resolve utility problems and work with utility companies to resolve problems. TCOA is an outreach post for the Energy Bank

Eligibility: Persons age 60 and over.

Cost: None, depending on availability of funds.


URBAN OPTIONS
405 Grove St.
East Lansing, MI 48823
Ph: (517) 337-0422
Fax: (517) 337-0437

Hours: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Tuesday, through Friday, Thursday 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the first Saturday of the month or by appointment.

Services: Provides information and programs about waste reduction, energy efficiency, composting, and a variety of other home improvement topics. Has an energy and environmentally-friendly demonstration house. Provides weatherization improvements, water-saving devices, energy audits, safety inspections and educational presentations through the Energy Fitness Program.

Eligibility: The Energy Fitness Program is available to city residents of Lansing who meet income guidelines. Other services are available to everyone.

Cost: None. Donations accepted.


WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM
Capital Area Community Services
1301 Rensen
Lansing, MI 48910
Ph: (517) 393-1780
Fax: (517) 393-6631

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Services: Provides weatherization assistance to low-income persons in the tri-county area and Shiawassee County. Types of services which may be provided include, attic, wall and foundation insulation, caulking, weather-stripping, repairing broken glass, installing water heater jackets and low flow showerheads.

Eligibility: Persons must meet low-income guidelines. Both homewoners and renters may qualify. Senior citizens age 60 and over should contact your local senior citizens office for information or to apply.

Cost: Free of charge.