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State Emergency Relief (SER) is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses such as heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. SER is supported by the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Eligibility is based on one of the following:
Demonstration of immediate need (past due/shutoff notice)
Declared need for a deliverable fuel such as propane
Verified need for energy-related home repair
150% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Up to $15,000 in cash assets and $15,000 in material assets
Contact: Customers must apply for benefits through one of the Community Partner Organizations listed at the bottom of this page.
Administering Agency: Michigan Public Service Commission
MEAP programs include services that will enable participants to become or move toward becoming self-sufficient, including assisting participants in paying their energy bills on time, budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses, and assisting participants in being energy efficient. Note: Beginning October 1, 2025, households are not required to apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) prior to applying for MEAP. To be eligible for MEAP, a household’s income must be at or below 60% of the state median income (SMI) (See the SMI Table below). Or, if a household participates in SER, the Home Heating Credit, TANF, SNAP, WIC, HeadStart, SSI, or SDA programs, they may be considered categorically eligible for MEAP.
Contact: UPPCO works with several local and regional Community Partners to enroll in the EASE Affordable Payment Plan. Contact 1 of the Community Partner Organizations listed below.
Make your energy bill more manageable. If you need assistance managing your energy bill, the Energy Assistance, Self-sufficiency & Education (EASE) Program may help. EASE is a two-year affordable payment plan that helps you stay on top of your energy bills. As an EASE member, you will receive the following benefits:
A portion of your monthly bill may be paid by the program
A referral to receive a no-cost, in-home energy efficiency assessment, and upgrades to help reduce your energy costs through UPPCO’s Empower Program.
To qualify, customers must meet the following criteria:
Must be verified income eligible by DHHS.
Must be an active, residential UPPCO account holder or the spouse of the account holder
Must not have theft, fraud, or bankruptcy on the account
EASE enrollment is on a first come first serve basis.
Effective July 1, 2023, if you are below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a $15 per month credit on your energy bill. To determine eligibility for the Residential Income Assistance credit, customers must complete the Residential Income Assistance credit application (PDF) and return it to UPPCO.
Allow for 2 to 3 business days for processing of documentation. Customers must reapply to enroll every 12 months to continue receiving the credit.
You may apply for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) for the current tax year to help pay winter heating bills if you meet the listed household income guidelines and exemptions. You may claim an exemption for yourself, your spouse, and other dependents. Additional exemptions may also be available. HHC is supported by the Federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Forms are generally available in mid to late January where tax forms can be found. Call Treasury at (517) 636-4486 or visit the Treasury website. Some local agencies and Community Partner Organizations may provide assistance with completing the form, which is due no later than September 30 each year.
Customers of utilities regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission (such as UPPCO) receive protection from shutoff of their heating fuel service from the time of filing of the HHC form with the Treasury until the time Treasury issues the credit. However, you must contact UPPCO to let us know you filed for the HHC. Keep a copy of the HHC form you file with the number of exemptions claimed and the amount of the credit to use when requesting the status of your application. You will still be required to pay for the electric services used during the shutoff protection period.
Administering Agency: Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity
Michigan’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded, low-income residential energy conservation program providing free home energy conservation services to eligible homeowners and renters with a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. You are also eligible if you participate in the Department of Health and Human Services Family Independence Program or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
These weatherization services can help reduce energy use and lower utility bills. If you qualify, a trained inspector will assess your home and determine which measures will be the most beneficial for you: adding caulking and weather stripping; wall, basement, and attic insulation and ventilation; and smoke detectors.
Contact your local Community Action Agency or go to the Agency Locator Map for more information.
Based on your income, you may be eligible to receive no-cost, in-home energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce your energy costs through UPPCO's Empower Program. Other Energy Efficiency programs are available to all UPPCO customers regardless of income.
