Latest news with #energyassistance
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DTE Energy supports vulnerable customers during historic heat dome with $800,000 donation to United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Need for support up 72% from the last program year due to extreme temperatures, more resources are needed for Michigan residents DETROIT, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy today announced it is donating $800,000 to United Way for Southeastern Michigan to help Michiganders across the state stay safe during Michigan's extreme summer weather. The donation will provide relief to elderly, unemployed, underemployed, and disabled customers across Michigan who are struggling to pay their energy bills and have qualified for energy assistance in the current year. "Many Michigan families face genuine financial hardships and are struggling to pay their bills. This donation will help us support Michiganders accessing the help they need to pay their energy bills," said Jeff Miles, vice president of Community Impact, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "While MEAP recently expanded assistance amounts and eligibility requirements, this donation helps address current gaps and keep families enrolled now." According to United Way, the need for support has increased 72% from the last program year, resulting in a funding shortfall. This donation will provide immediate support to bridge that gap. At the end of last year, thanks to the advocacy of organizations like United Way and a coalition of other human service nonprofits, the Michigan legislature passed an energy assistance expansion which Governor Whitmer signed into law. The new law increases the funding available for low-income families under the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and modifies the eligibility criteria to allow it to serve more of those in need. This additional funding will be available for new applicants on October 1, at the beginning of the State's fiscal year. Until then, the new dollars being invested by United Way and DTE will help fill a resource gap to provide much-needed support for current enrollees. "DTE's strong partnership with United Way of more than 40 years continues to be a lifeline for Michigan families – especially in the summer, when rising temperatures can lead to unexpected energy costs," said Evette Griffie, vice president of Customer and Community Engagement, DTE. "This donation isn't just about meeting the needs of today, it connects families to the right programs that can prevent these crises in the future." More than 5,000 residents were enrolled in LSP during the 2024-2025 program year, and DTE anticipates potentially greater need through the remainder of this year. This donation is expected to support 6,400 customers this program year. Visit for more information about the program or to enroll. "We're grateful for this critical support from our partners at DTE, which will allow us to help families not just get through tough times, but stay on solid ground," added Miles. "As household budgets are seeing increased pressure, we will continue to work with community partners to help more families move from crisis to stability and from stability to prosperity." Over the past five years, DTE has connected customers to more than $660 million in financial aid. The company works closely with federal, state and agency partners to advocate for new approaches to quickly get help to customers in need. DTE also served as a strong advocate for the recently passed legislation that will increase funding for energy assistance and reduce access barriers, opening the doors of support to additional Michiganders in need. "DTE works every day to connect customers to energy assistance – we are doing everything in our power to ensure customers are never without the energy they need. Our work doesn't end here. We will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable so they can receive the support and resources they deserve," said Griffie. Customers can learn more about financial assistance programs at About DTE EnergyDTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at and About United Way for Southeastern MichiganUnited Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and a locally independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to helping households achieve stability and ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive. For over 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The organization collaborates with donors, agencies, corporations, and municipal partners to support essential services, including housing, food security, healthcare, and education. To give, advocate, volunteer, or learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DTE Energy Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announces new energy assistance benefits
BALTIMORE — Households in Maryland struggling with rising utility costs will receive increased energy assistance benefits this year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced Thursday. The expanded aid comes from increased appropriations for the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which is a state reserve made up of fines paid by utility companies for falling short of renewable energy requirements. Electric assistance will now range from $250 to $1,000 per household — up from a maximum of $575 last year. Gas benefits will rise from last year's maximum of $300 to between $300 and $550. 'At a time when the federal government is passing dangerous, heartless legislation to cut assistance for working families, we are standing in the breach,' Moore said in a release. 'We will not waver in our work to protect our people and leave no one behind.' Households already enrolled in SNAP, SSI, TANF or income-based veterans benefits are automatically eligible for the benefits. As of May, over 156,000 households have applied for energy assistance this fiscal year, with over 117,000 approved, according to the release. ------------
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
PG&E committing $50 million to expand relief for overdue bills
Pacific Gas and Electric customers who have fallen behind on their payments may be able to get some help paying their energy bills, the utility said this week. PG&E has committed a total of $50 million to new and existing financial assistance programs to give eligible customers with overdue bills a hand. The programs include PG&E's new Match My Payment program and the Energy Assistance through Community Help program, which is already in place. The PG&E Match My Payment Program offers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,000 for qualifying low-to-moderate-income customers to pay past-due energy bills to prevent service disconnections. Applicants must pay at least $50 toward their outstanding balance each time to receive matching funds. A minimum past due balance of $100 is required to apply. Qualifying customers may receive matching payments from PG&E for multiple-bill payments throughout the year up to $1,000. For example, a past-due customer can apply for support in June and continue the program in October if they fall behind on bills again. The program ends December 31. Customers may also be eligible for bill assistance through the PG&E REACH program, which provides income-eligible customers with a bill credit of up to $300 based on the past-due bill. Emergency assistance is available this year for customers with a disconnection notice. Income levels are lower than the PG&E Match My Payment Program. Qualifying customers who have already received a $300 grant from PG&E's REACH program in 2025 are pre-qualified for up to $1,000 from PG&E's Match My Payment Program, with a combined maximum benefit of up to $1,300 on a past due amount. To learn more, visit the PG&E website,
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland is increasing energy assistance benefits, Gov. Moore announces
Eligible Marylanders will start seeing increased energy assistance benefits, Gov. Wes Moore announced on Thursday. The energy assistance program, through the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs, will assist families as energy rates continue to increase. Gov. Moore says the assistance program is in response to residents saying these rates are getting out of hand. "At a time when the federal government is passing dangerous, heartless legislation to cut assistance for working families, we are standing in the breach," Gov. Moore said. "Not a day goes by without me hearing from Marylanders calling for support tackling the rising cost of energy we see nationwide. Today, we extend a hand to them as a critical part of our work to make Maryland more affordable. We will not waver in our work to protect our people and leave no one behind." Who is eligible and how to apply A household receiving between $130 and $575 in electric benefits last year will now receive between $250 and $1,000, and a household receiving between $150 and $301 in gas benefits last year will now receive between $300 and $550 in Fiscal Year 2026, the governor's office said. Residents that are already receiving the following benefits are automatically eligible: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and Income-Based Veterans Affairs Benefits. New applications for energy assistance are now available. Marylanders who are not automatically eligible are invited to apply at "With rising temperatures and soaring energy costs, too many Marylanders are worried about keeping their homes safe and liveable year-round," said Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López. "We will do all we can to step up and support families who must choose between buying groceries and paying their electricity bills." Push to stop BGE's multi-year rate hike On Thursday, Baltimore City leaders pushed Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) to end its multi-year rate hikes and pipeline program. Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen joined labor union leaders and advocates to deliver petitions to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) and BGE. BGE raised its rates on January 1, 2025, increasing the average residential gas bill by 9% and the electric bill by 7%. During the winter, Maryland households reported some of their highest gas bills ever. BGE's Operation Pipeline program aims to upgrade hundreds of miles of natural gas pipes and equipment across Maryland by replacing cast iron and bare steel pipes with new, more durable materials. The company argued that the rising bills are due to weather, demand, and state fees, not the company's rate plan. BGE Spokesperson Nick Alexopoulos said, "Getting rid of the multi-year plan process does not provide rate relief. We still need to make those investments in the system for our customers and for our communities." Cohen said 7,221 Baltimore residents signed the postcard petitions calling for a stop to the plan. "This is what it looks like when thousands of Baltimoreans lift their voices up together to say enough is enough," Cohen said Thursday, while holding a bag of the petitions. BGE would not take petitions As Cohen tried to deliver the petitions to BGE, a representative for the company said they would not take them and instead called out Cohen for refusing to meet with the company's president. "You actually had an opportunity this week to pass them directly to Tamla had you taken her meeting, so we were disappointed you refused to meet with her face-to-face to have this type of conversation," the company representative said during the exchange. "These, we can't accept for security purposes; these do have to be mailed in." Cohen said he did not want to meet with CEO Tamla Olivier unless BGE came with a plan to support residents. "It is about them making a decision to come with rate relief," Cohen said.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cooling assistance accepting appointments starting Sunday
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — Beginning Sunday at 7 p.m., residents can begin making appointments for the cooling assistance program administered by the Economic Opportunity Authority (EOA). Residents of Chatham County can make appointments by calling 912-721-7910. There are a limited number of appointments available, and clients must meet income guidelines and supply verifiable information. To qualify, a family's annual income must be in accordance with the fiscal year 2025 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) eligibility guidelines. Applicants will need to provide a current electrical bill, social security card for each member of the household, a picture ID and proof of income over the last 30 days for each adult. Applicants will be required to come to the EOA Cuyler building at 618 West Anderson Street for their appointments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
