Elevate Celebrates Michigan’s New Legislation to Help Residents with Energy Bill Relief

Lansing, MI – Today, Elevate celebrates the signage of State Senate Bills 353, 880, and 881, guaranteeing that more Michiganders in need can get support to pay their energy bills. The legislation signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a testament to the commitment that families across Michigan need.  This legislative package is a step in the right direction toward achieving Michigan’s climate justice goals and supporting disinvested communities. 

As a partner in the fight for equity through climate action, Elevate is proud that the State of Michigan is taking the steps to address energy burden for its most vulnerable residents.  

“I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature for enacting these bills into law. This will help ensure everyone has access to affordable heat, cooling, and power, especially during Michigan’s ever-harsher winters and hotter summers,” said Dr. Anne Evens, Executive Chief Officer of Elevate. “When direct assistance is paired with energy-saving measures like insulation, upgraded appliances, and solar panels, Michiganders have a true pathway to not only reducing their energy burden, but to save money and live healthier and sustainable lives.” 

This new set of laws will improve the Michigan Energy Assistance Program by: 

• Expanding income eligibility from 150% of the Federal Poverty Level to 60% of State Median Income (equivalent to 200% FPL) 

• Removing the program’s funding cap which was previously set at $50 million 

• Allowing the Michigan Public Service Commission to increase the surcharge funding this program from $1 to $2, limiting increases to 25 cents per year, and annually adjusting it for inflation 

• Removing the limitation on program expenditures outside of the state-defined crisis season 

• Requiring improved coordination between Michigan’s Assistance and Weatherization programs 

This victory would not have been accomplished without the support from our partners who developed and advocated for this package including State Senators Sam Singh, Veronica Klinefelt, Rick Outman, the Michigan Public Service Commission, Michigan’s major utility companies DTE and Consumers Energy, and the local Community Organizations who administer Michigan’s Energy Assistance Program, such as the United Way for  Southeastern Michigan, the Heat and Warmth Fund, the Superior Watershed Partnership, and the Salvation Army.