JACKSON, Mich., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As the artic blast that froze Michigan in recent weeks moves on, low-income residents are urged to apply for a Michigan Home Heating Credit. Eligible applicants can get up to $200 or more for their winter energy bills through the Home Heating Credit program. You do not need to file a Michigan tax return to apply for this credit. "There is money available in the Michigan Home Heating Credit program to assist low-income residents with their energy bills. Unfortunately, most eligible people do not take advantage of this program. Only one-third of those qualified typically apply for this credit," said Debra Harmon, who manages Consumers Energy's low-income, senior citizen, and special need assistance programs. Home Heating Credit forms (MI-1040CR-7) are available at the following locations: most public libraries, Secretary of State branch offices, Department of Human Services branch offices, or by calling Consumers Energy's toll-free number, 800-477-5050. Forms are also available from the Michigan Department of Treasury by calling 800-367-6263 or at http://www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance. Hearing or speech impaired residents can get information about the program by calling 517-636-4999. The Department of Treasury offers help in filling out the forms; information on that service is available by calling 800-827-4000. In addition, the Accounting Aid Society is again partnering with Consumers Energy to conduct Tax Workshops to assist low-income residents. The workshops include help in filing Home Heating Credit applications. The workshops are held on Saturdays through April 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Consumers Energy's service centers in Macomb, Pontiac, and Royal Oak. An insert in Consumers Energy's February bills provides details about the Home Heating Credit and how to file for it. Last year, nearly 358,000 Michigan residents received $64.3 million in aid through the program, which is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The credit can be applied to all heating costs, including propane and purchased firewood. The deadline to file is Sept. 30, 2007, but residents are encouraged to file now for the credit. Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to almost 6.5 million of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at http://www.consumersenergy.com/ DATASOURCE: Consumers Energy CONTACT: Jeff Holyfield, +1-517-788-2394, or Dan Bishop, +1-517-788-2395, or Mary A. Gust, +1-989-791-5871, all of Consumers Energy Web site: http://www.consumersenergy.com/ http://www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203850.html

Copyright