The best thing you can do is make your home as energy efficient as possible. You lose alot of energy when your home isn't insulated properly, the window needs caulking, or your thermostat is set too high.
Set your thermostat at a comfortable low setting. Remember that sweaters can take off a chill and won't cost you extra. Invest in a programmable thermostat that will allow your settings to be even lower when you are not at home.
There are non-profit organizations that provide weatherization services. Weatherization Assistance Program is a federally funded program which provides free home energy conservation services to low-income homeowners and renters.
Your heating costs can be lowered 20 to 25%
In Michigan you can find a directory of weatherization operators here:
www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance click Weatherization then State Map of Weatherization Operators
More ideas on how to reduce your energy needs by contacting U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at www.eere.energy.gov or call toll free at 1-877-337-3463.
Even after lowering your usage you may have trouble with your utility expenses. Here are some programs that may help:
-Contact your utility company to apply for the Winter Protection Plan. It protects seniors and low-income customers from shut off and high utility payments between Nov. 1 and March 31. The plan allows eligible customers to make monthly payments of at least 7% of their estimated bill in those months then pay the rest in installments with their monthly bill.
-Medical Emergency Shut Off Protection postpones a shut off up to 21 days because of a medical emergency. There may also be additional extensions available. Contact your utility company for more information.
-Military Shut Off Protection is offered to those on active duty for the military and their spouses. It protects them from shut-off for up to 90 days and the provider may extend it beyond that. Unless waived by the provider, the past due amounts will have to be paid. Contact the utility company for details.
More help can be found through programs offered by Michigan or Federal Veterans Assistance programs and the National Guard.
-The Home Heating Credit can help too. In Michigan you need to file a form called a MI-1040-7. Check with your state treasury department to see if there is a form for your state. You do not have to file an income tax to qualify for the credit.
-Contact you local Department of Human Services and ask if there is a State Emergancy Relief Program. In MI you can call 1-800-292-5650.
-Another MI help line is THAW or The Heat And Warmth Fund 1-800-866-8429
-The Salvation Army and your local Community Action Agency may be able to provide emergency assistance and referral as well as help with caulking and insulation if you meet low income guidelines.
Locate a local Community Action Agency in your phone book or www.mcaaa.org/directory.directory.htm or www.mcaaa.org then click Member Agencies.
-The Michigan Public Service Commission can provide information on your legal rights and resource information regarding your utilities. Their toll free number is 1-800-292-9555
