Michigan increases energy bill assistance as White House looks to end LIHEAP
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Michigan's energy bill assistance is increasing as the White House proposes eliminating the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in its 2027 budget. The Michigan Public Service Commission has raised the monthly electric bill surcharge to $1.50, boosting energy assistance funding to $90 million annually.
Michigan is increasing its energy bill assistance program amid a proposal by the White House to eliminate the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in its 2027 budget. The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved a $1.50 monthly surcharge on electric bills, raising the state's energy assistance funding to $90 million annually. This move comes as the Trump administration's budget proposes cutting $4 billion from LIHEAP, which helps over 400,000 Michigan residents pay their energy bills. The U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey found that 33% of U.S. households experienced energy insecurity in 2024, with nearly 25% reporting they reduced or went without food or medicine to pay energy bills. The Michigan Energy Assistance Program will provide eligible low-income households with help paying bills for gas, electricity, and other fuel sources. The program's funding increase is seen as crucial as LIHEAP faces potential elimination.
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