DTE Energy recently hosted an event to celebrate new laws, signed by Governor Whitmer, to expand energy assistance to more Michiganders, thanks to the advocacy of the “Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm,” a group of more than 120 human service agencies, religious organizations and businesses.
DTE, along with Governor Whitmer, members of the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, legislators and community leaders celebrated the bipartisan collaboration that was necessary to successfully break down barriers and secure this vital funding for Michiganders in need.
“I am so proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to expand energy assistance for 330,000 Michigan families, helping them stay warm in the winter and cool through the summer,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are still facing high costs, and we need to work together to keep finding commonsense ways to save them money. By expanding MEAP eligibility and making it even easier to sign up, we are making sure that no one has to put on an extra sweater just to eat dinner and kids can come home after a long, hot day playing outside and cool off. Everyone deserves to live in a safe, comfortable, and affordable home, and I am grateful that we came together to lower costs and get this done.”
At the end of last year, the Michigan legislature, with a bipartisan vote, passed four pieces of legislation to expand the funding available for low-income Michiganders under the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), as well as expanded the eligibility criteria for the program.
The four bills recently signed into law by Governor Whitmer will:
- Double MEAP funding from $50 million today to $100 million over the next five years, allowing the funds to serve twice as many customers.
- Increase the eligibility of MEAP funds so that any Michigander at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level would be eligible. Today, that threshold is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- MEAP funds will be allocated to low-income customers who reside in the geographic area where the funds are generated.
- Create sustainability as the surcharge that funds MEAP will be capped at $2 per meter but can be adjusted by the Michigan Public Service Commission, based on inflation.
“While DTE is focused on making transformational investments to provide our customers with cleaner, more reliable energy, we’re also committed to assuring customers that we’re always balancing these initiatives with affordability,” said Jerry Norcia, DTE Chairman and CEO. “But we can’t do this alone. We’re so grateful for the passion brought by The Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, legislators and community leaders who stood together to knock down barriers and better meet the changing needs of vulnerable residents.”
During the event, remarks were provided by Governor Whitmer, DTE Chairman and CEO Jerry Norcia, United Way CEO Dr. Darienne Hudson, and President of the Council of Baptist Pastors, Rev. Richard White.
These bills will go into effect on October 1, 2025, at the beginning of the State’s fiscal year.
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