Consumers Energy Tells Michigan Residents: Home Heating Credit Can Provide Help Even in Summer

JACKSON, Mich., July 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Even with temperatures reaching the 90s this summer, Consumers Energy is reminding qualified residents to take advantage of the Michigan Home Heating Credit.

"With a filing deadline of Sept. 30, we don't want eligible Michigan residents to miss the opportunity to qualify for the Home Heating Credit. Dollars are available now that can make a difference to many households," said Chad Miller, Consumers Energy's manager of low-income programs.

"The Home Heating Credit is a critical summertime support for Michigan residents." said Tom Page, executive director of Michigan's 2-1-1 system, which provides information about community resources for Michigan residents.

"2-1-1 handles over 160,000 referrals for utility assistance every year. Surprisingly, July and August see our highest levels of unmet needs because there are so few resources available this time of year."

The average Home Heating Credit for Consumers Energy customers in 2014 was nearly $150. Eligibility and amount of the credit are based on income and household size, with a maximum income of $12,956 for a one-person household, which increases with additional household members.

Additional facts about the Michigan Home Heating Credit:

• It can be used for all types of primary heating fuels, including natural gas, propane, heating oil and purchased firewood.
• Renters who pay their own heating bills may also qualify.
• Even if your income does not require you to file income taxes, you may still qualify.
• Customers will need their 2015 total heat cost which is required to complete the form, which can be found on your Consumers Energy bill from January or February.

"Every year, far too many eligible folks fail to claim valuable state tax credits for which they are eligible, leaving money in Lansing instead of putting it in their own pocketbooks," said Ross Yednock, program director of the Michigan Economic Impact Coalition, a statewide coalition of organizations the provide free tax filing services.

Free help filing for the Home Heating Credit may be available. Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org  to see if there is a free tax preparation assistance program near you

"If you think you might meet the income guidelines, it is well worth it to file and claim this credit," Yednock said. "You can recover some of the money you paid heating your house last year, and get a jump ahead on costs for the upcoming year." 

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

Media toolkit

WHERE TO GET A HOME HEATING CREDIT FORM (MI-1040CR-7):

• Online at www.michigan.gov/taxes
• Consumers Energy's assistance website: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/assistance
• Consumers Energy direct payment offices statewide or by phone, 800-477-5050
• Most public libraries
• Secretary of State branch offices
• Department of Health and Human Services branch offices: http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Learn more and get help filing for this credit: www.MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org or call 2-1-1.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

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