Winter Energy Assistance Available through $1.57 million grant

What's happening: The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) Energy & Climate Office has been awarded a $1.57 million MI Impact grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to expand utility assistance for low- and moderate-income households in the Upper Peninsula.

Who's eligible: Eligible households earning up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) that have received State Emergency Relief since October 1, 2024, may qualify for assistance with participating water and waste bills, while those with incomes between 151 percent and 300 percent of the FPL may be eligible for help with heat, electric, water, and waste utilities through participating providers.

The goal: The goal of the program is to reduce costs related to energy and utilities, allowing individual households more flexibility to address other costly concerns like maintenance, healthcare or food. The average U.P. household spends 50 percent of income on transportation, employment, education and housing, according to data collected by Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan.

Why SWP: Since 2013, the SWP has assisted more than 9,000 income-qualified households with heat and electric bills, but recognizing the unmet needs of many more residents, the organization sought additional funding to expand services and include often-excluded utility bills like water and waste. As the only Upper Peninsula recipient of the MI Impact Grant, SWP is among 10 Michigan non-profits awarded funding to address disparities that hinder access to essentials such as housing, childcare, food, health care, and transportation. 
The grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which aims to lift 100,000 families out of poverty over the next five years by fostering a resilient, equitable recovery and promoting long-term growth and opportunity.  

What they're saying: “This is a one-of-a-kind program to help households who are not eligible for State Emergency Relief utility assistance. With low-income Michigan residents spending an average of 15% of their income on energy bills alone, this funding couldn’t come at a better time to help people in the UP,” said Kasey Grieco, Program Manager.

What's next: Upper Peninsula residents who could benefit from the program are encouraged to reach out to the SWP Climate & Energy Office at 906-273-2742 or visit its website for more information and eligibility criteria.