Consumers Energy to Assist Seniors with Heating Bills

Utility company to contact customers 65+ with $200+ balances to enroll in payment assistance programs.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is reaching out to senior customers 65 years and older with account balances of $200 or more to help them navigate higher heating bills this winter. The company will make phone calls on March 10 and 12 to enroll eligible seniors in payment assistance programs, in addition to sending emails and postcards. This initiative is part of a larger effort by Consumers Energy to support customers impacted by February's cold snap and higher energy costs.

Why it matters

Many seniors on fixed incomes struggle to afford increased heating costs, especially during Michigan's harsh winters. Consumers Energy's outreach aims to connect these vulnerable customers with available assistance to ensure they can stay warm and avoid service shutoffs.

The details

Consumers Energy will contact customers 65 years and older with account balances of $200 or more to review their accounts and enroll them in payment assistance programs. In 2025, the company made over 20,000 similar calls to seniors, and this year's program is expected to reach even more. Shut-off protections are also in place for seniors through April 1, and all customers can access the Home Heating Credit and customizable payment solutions.

  • On March 10 and March 12, Consumers Energy will call eligible senior customers.
  • Shut-off protections for seniors are in place through April 1.

The players

Consumers Energy

Michigan's largest energy provider, supplying natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents.

Lauren Snyder

Consumers Energy's senior vice president and chief customer and growth officer.

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What they’re saying

“For many of our senior customers living on a fixed income, there is very little room for additional costs. We want every senior to feel like they know they have the support and resources needed to navigate their bills.”

— Lauren Snyder, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer and Growth Officer (Consumers Energy)

What’s next

Eligible customers can call 1-800-477-5050 to discuss their options for payment assistance.

The takeaway

Consumers Energy's proactive outreach to seniors struggling with higher heating bills demonstrates the utility's commitment to supporting vulnerable customers and ensuring access to essential energy services, even in the face of extreme weather conditions.