JACKSON, Michigan, Jan 16, 2026, 07:05 EST
- Consumers Energy is funneling $5 million to nonprofits across the state to help with bills.
- Separately, the Consumers Energy Foundation granted EightCAP $100,000 to fund “Fresh Start Kits” for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
- The changes arrive amid rising winter heating bills and mounting household costs squeezing budgets.
Consumers Energy is putting $5 million toward helping Michigan customers handle their energy bills. The utility plans to distribute the funds through nonprofit partners and is encouraging residents to apply for assistance sooner rather than later, the company said. 1
The pledge comes right in the middle of winter, when heating needs surge and unpaid bills can quickly balloon into bigger debts. Brian Wheeler, a Consumers Energy spokesman, told WHMI that concerns over steep bills spike during these cold months, and delaying payments only worsens the situation for households.
The utility confirmed the funds are earmarked for direct aid and community partnerships statewide, and emphasized they won’t be drawn from customer bills.
Consumers Energy’s charitable arm is expanding its focus beyond bill assistance to provide basic-needs support that continues after people secure housing.
EightCAP, a nonprofit based in Mid-Michigan, secured a $100,000 People Award grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to boost its “Household Goods for Rehousing Success” program. The initiative supplies “Fresh Start Kits” to individuals moving out of homelessness across Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, and Montcalm counties, The Daily News reported. 2
“When families leave homelessness, having a safe place to live is only the first step,” Lori Johnson, president of EightCAP, said in the report, describing the kits as a way to keep families from “starting from nothing.” Cathy Wilson, the foundation’s secretary and treasurer, added the partnership’s goal was to help families “not only find housing but create homes,” according to the same account, which noted Consumers Energy volunteers put together roughly 36 kits at a recent event.
According to the report, EightCAP has handed out roughly 81 kits since early November 2025, reaching 25 individuals and families in the four counties.
Consumers Energy is positioning affordability as an ongoing commitment, not just a one-time offer. Executive Lauren Snyder emphasized the company’s goal for customers to feel “supported and confident” that it is “standing with them,” according to a recent release. 3
Part of the aid is funneled through established statewide programs. Michigan’s Energy Assistance Program, or MEAP, offers extra help with bill payments and promotes self-sufficiency for low-income residents via local agencies, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission. 4
DTE Energy is also directing customers to payment-assistance programs for the 2025-2026 season, many of which run through community agencies, according to a DTE program handout. Consumers aren’t the only ones relying on these networks. 5
