Help With Utility Bills Starts With January Event in Battle Creek

A program meant to assist Michiganders who are struggling to play utility bills now includes an event where assistance will be offered to complete applications.

WBCK first reported on the CARE program - a Consumers Energy-backed assistance program coordinated by the United Way of Jackson County - in December, 2016. An "application fair" is now scheduled for January 10, 2017 in Battle Creek, where applicants can get help completing the steps necessary to be considered for utility bill assistance.

In early December, 2016, United Way of Jackson County CEO Ken Toll told WBCK there are some qualifications necessary in order to apply:

• The Consumers Energy account holder or his/her spouse must be the person who applies.
• Income equal or less than 150 percent of Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
• All applicants must have a Consumers Energy account that is past due and an outstanding balance less than $2,000

According to a release, Consumers Energy customers who qualify for the CARE program receive a monthly credit on their bill, assistance with their past-due balance and help with energy efficiency improvements.

The assistance fair is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10 at the New Level Sports Christian Center, 400 W. Michigan Ave., in Battle Creek. The event, co-hosted by Woman’s Coop and Community Fatherhood, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservation is necessary. CARE staff will serve applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click the player below to hear Ken Toll discuss the program further.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on WBCK.