LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Monday  kicked off a public campaign to make sure Michigan residents know about – and access –  tens of millions in federal, state and local dollars to help pay winter heating bills.

“No one should go without warmth or comfort in their own home when they can have access to so many dollars here in Michigan, starting with a single phone call to 2-1-1,” Nessel said. “We know February’s brutal cold is leaving our friends and neighbors with high energy bills, but they should know they can take action now that can make a huge difference.”

Nessel shares this shortly after a recent two weeks of especially cold temperatures in February caused furnaces to run more often than usual. The cost of that heat may hit customers hard and both Nessel and Consumers want to make sure people know there is funding available to help pay those bills.

Lansing BWL continues to work to find financial assistance for our customers. One example being our Pennies for Power program or the CARES dollars we secured for those behind on their water bills. Anyone having a hard time financially is encouraged to reach out to us to setup a flexible payment plan thru our Customer Service department—517-702-6006.

The attorney general is reaching out to the public, promoting resources to help Michiganders. People who are struggling with energy bills should call 2-1-1, a free service that connects people with nonprofit agencies in communities across the state. They can also go to the 2-1-1 website.

Other ways to get help include:

• Apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) on the MI Bridges webpage. 
• Apply for a Home Heating Credit via the Michigan Department of Treasury's website. 

“No one likes to ask for help,” said Nessel, “but millions of dollars are available to help people pay their bills.  Calling 2-1-1 for help will get that money to people in need.”