The electric bill can be a budget-buster when you’re surviving on a low income. Fortunately, your power company can usually help. There are several unknown or little-advertised programs that power companies may offer that can help lower the cost of your power bill.
Most power companies offer a budget billing plan, which averages the annual cost of electricity in a home and bills the customer in 12 even installments. This can help low-income customers maintain a budget and avert payment problems, especially during the more expensive winter months.
Some companies even offer free energy-efficiency improvements (including free LED light bulbs!) and moratoriums that prevent your power from being shut off during the winter.
Just click the link below to find out what discounts, rebates and other money-saving programs are offered by YOUR local utility company!
American Electric Power (AEP)
Are you an AEP customer? You might have options for paying your bill! Customers who qualify could get help with convenience fees when paying their bill and levelized billing. You might also qualify for help through community agencies that provide help to low-income electric customers. See everything we’ve found for AEP here.
Consumers Energy
If you have Consumers Energy, you could get help through the Home Heating Credit. You might also qualify for help with Helping Neighbors. Seniors citizens, low-income customers and people with disabilities may all be able to get help with their Consumers Energy bill. You can learn more about the home heating credit and everything we’ve learned about Consumers Energy right here.
DTE Energy
Are you a DTE Energy customer? If so, you might qualify for help with your bills! You could use the flexible due date and Budgetwise billing program to get help making all your payments on time. You might also be able to get help with a bill credit by applying for it through DTE Energy. There are also community assistance programs available. See everything we’ve found for DTE Energy by clicking here.
Great Lakes Energy
Is your Great Lakes Energy bill killing your wallet? Help is available! We found ways for you to get help paying your bill, upgrading your home and saving money on rates. There are a variety of programs available to customers that might help them make the most out of their bills. Check this out to see everything we’ve found.
Just Energy
Do you have Just Energy as your electric rate supplier? You might be able to get help with your bill, lowering your rates and saving money on the bills. Just Energy customers could get a variety of savings just for having the company as their supplier. To learn more about Just Energy and everything we’ve found out about the company, click here!
Thumb Electric
You could get help with your Thumb Electric bill through the Share Shop or the Human Development Commission. Thumb Electric customers might also qualify for assistance through the electric company with rates and other programs. You might also be able to request an extension or an arrangement to help make paying your bill easier. Click here to learn more about the help we’ve found for Thumb Electric!
Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO)
If you’re an UPPCO customer, you might be able to use their budget billing or payment extension program. The company also offers assistance to customers who qualify for it. If you’re unable to find help directly through the company, we also found a variety of community assistance programs like the Michigan THAW fund. To learn more about that and so much more, check this article out.
We Energies
Help could be available through We Energies. You might qualify for the personal payment plan or a variety of other programs the company offers to those who qualify. You could even have your initial deposit waived if you meet income guidelines. We found out a lot about We Energies. Click here to see everything we found out about the company.
Wisconsin Public Service
If you’re a WPS customer, you might be able to get help with your bill! You can choose your due date, get lower rates and find programs that work for your needs. The company offers assistance to those who qualify and might be able to provide you with some help paying your bill. We also found a variety of community action programs that could help you pay your bill and even avoid shut-off issues. To see it all, check this article out.
XCel Energy
You could get help with the Heatshare program or the energy assistance program if you’re struggling to pay your XCel Energy bill. If you qualify, you might also be able to get free home upgrades and even help with payment extensions. The company has a lot of different resources available to customers who qualify. Click here to see the resources we found.
Subject: Save Money on your Michigan Power Bill!
RE: Don’t see your company? Let us know in the comments!
*RE: {Michigan} Electric Company: DTE
– Moratoriums that prevent your power from being shut off during the winter
– Get a new refrigerator and washing machine absolutely free
Thank you,
Lea Martin
Redford, MI. 48239
[email protected]
Hey, Lea! Thanks so much for this info! We found TONS of ways to save money on your DTE Energy bills in Michigan. Have a wonderful day – and thanks for visiting LowIncomeRelief.com!
I live in Indian River, Michigan. I have Presque Isle Electric? ( PIE&G ) I don’t see it listed. Thank you
Hi, Sandy! Thanks for asking. I’ve added that to our research list and one of our writers will investigate that as soon as they can. Thanks so much! 🙂
My company isn’t shown.
Grand Haven Board of Light & Power.
Hi Spring,
I just added your electric company to our research list!
Here is some information on saving money on your electric:
https://lowincomerelief.com/tag/utilities/
-Chloe
I have Indiana/Michigan aka AEP (American Electric Power) for electricity.
Hey, Michele! Here’s what I was able to find for Indiana Michigan Power. Thanks for asking! 🙂
I live in Wyandotte, Michigan 48192.
Wyandotte has there own electric power called
Wyandotte municipal located in the city hall.
My bill is past due by 4 months.
I went in there in March and i wanted to set up a payment agreement and they said i had to pay 268.00 up front. If i had that i would not need a payment agreement.
So they plan to turn off my electric on 4-30-18.
I truly need help.
Yikes! I’m so sorry, Cynthia. I’ve added that company to our research list, so we’ll get a write-up on how to save money with Wyandotte Municipal just as quick as we can. Unfortunately, we have hundreds of outstanding requests, so we won’t be able to get that information to you before April 30th. I recommend reaching out to your local United Way or Salvation Army. They should be able to connect you with a community agency who may be able to help you make that payment in time.
Are there any programs other then the budget program for Alpena power comp. In Alpena Mi
Hey, Linda! I’m not sure yet. It’s on our research list, so we’ll find out if they offer anything else!
Programs for Alpena Power Co. In Alpena MI 49707?
Hi, Linda! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’ve added this to our research list and we’ll get that information found for you as soon as we can. Thanks for asking! 🙂
Thumb electric coop / TEC
I’ve added that to our research list. We’ll get that information as soon as we can. Thanks, CJ!
More like a question than a comment. Was curious if Holland BPW was involved in reaching out? Thanks
Hi, Trevor! Holland BPW hasn’t reached out to us but that company is on our research list! We’re going to investigate it as soon as we can. 🙂
I have Great Lakes Energy If you could look into that one it would be much appreciated. Thank you
Hi, Jennifer! I’ve added that to our research list. We’ll look into it as soon as we can! 🙂
I have Homeworks Tri county electric cooperative do know if they offer help? I ask them and always tell me no but on my bill they have operation round up where they take the change and round it up to the next dollar amount and that’s to go to help low income but they never give info on how to get in the program
Hi, Ronnie! I’ve added that to our research list. One of our writers will look into that and figure out how to access that help.
Hi, I have Great Lakes energy, here in Fountain.
Hi, Patricia! I’ve added that to our research list. We’ll get that information for you as soon as we can.