Payment Assistance Programs

SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY offers a variety of payment plans and assistance programs to help customers with their gas bills. The most important thing is to contact SEMCO ENERGY as soon as you know you cannot pay your entire gas bill. We will work with you to set up a suitable payment plan or advise you of assistance agencies in your area.

For more information, contact a SEMCO ENERGY Customer Service Representative at 1-800-624-2019, call the Department of Human Services Energy Hotline at 1-800-292-5650. The programs listed below are in effect for the Winter 2009-2010 heating season:

WINTER PROTECTION PLAN

CONTACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY.
EFFECTIVE DATES: November 1-March 31.
ELIGIBILITY: You may qualify for the plan if you have a household income at or below 200 percent of poverty level shown in the income guideline listed on the chart below. You may also qualify if you are 65 or older or you receive assistance from DHS, including food stamps, SSI or Medicaid.*

WINTER PROTECTION PLAN FORM

*PROVISIONS:

• Customers must apply through the Gas Company for the program, and must demonstrate having made application for state assistance.
• You may sign up beginning November 1 by making a required budget payement. Please contact SEMCO ENERGY for the budget amount.
• If you qualify, you will pay 7% per month of your estimated annual heating bill during the heating season plus a portion of your arrears.
• When the protection period ends March 31, your payment amount will change. You must pay your full monthly bill plus part of the amount you owe from the winter months in equal installments. You may also choose to pay the remaining heat season balance or pre-enrollment balance and go on the Budget Payment Plan.

HOME HEATING CREDIT

CONTACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY, Local Area Agency on Aging office, Department of Human Services or the Michigan Department of the Treasury. This program runs from January through September.
ELIGIBILITY: Income Guidelines listed below.
PROVISIONS: An energy draft is issued to the customer by the State of Michigan to be used for payment of heating bills. Additional benefits may be available if the customer is age 65 or older, deaf, blind or has another disability. The customer does not have to file a state tax return to be eligible for this program. Information regarding usage needed for the application is on your monthly bill starting in January 2007.

HOME HEATING CREDIT CLAIM FORM

For each exemption over six, add $3,941

EARNED INCOME CREDIT

CONTACT: Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov) / Tax Preparer or U.S. Treasury Department
ELIGIBLITY: Work full or part time. You must file a tax return.
PROVISIONS: Those who qualify will owe less in taxes and may get a refund.

CONSOLIDATED VENDOR WARRANT PROGRAM (CVW)

CONTACT: Department of Human Services (DHS)
ELIGIBILITY: DHS clients.
PROVISIONS: This program can aid in the payment of utility bills. Contact your local DHS office for qualification guidelines.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTECTION

CONACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY.
ELIGIBILITY: All customers.
PROVISIONS: If you have a qualifying, documented temporary medical emergency, you could be protected from energy shut-off for nonpayment of your bill for up to 21 days. You must provide written proof from a doctor that a medical emergency exists.

STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF (SER)

CONTACT: Department of Human Services (DHS)
ELIGIBILITY: Low-income customers.
PROVISIONS: This program is available year-round to low-income households and provides help with heating bills and restoring gas service. You do not have to be a DHS client to be eligible.

HOME WEATHERIZATION

CONTACT: Community Action Agency (CAA).
ELIGIBILITY: Low-income homeowners and renters.
PROVISIONS: Customers can get help winterizing their residences. Services include caulking, insulation, and weather stripping. These weatherization services can help you reduce your energy use and lower your utility bills.

LINK UP/LIFELINE

CONTACT: Local telephone carrier.
PROVISIONS: If your household obtains assistance from state or federal programs, or qualifies as low-income, your household may be eligible for the Lifeline/Link Up Program, which offers basic residential telephone service at reduced rates. For more information please go to the Michigan Public Service Commission Website: www.michigan.gov/mpsc.

MILITARY PROTECTION

CONTACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY
PROVISIONS: If the customer of record with the utility is called to full time active military service by the President of the United States or the Governor of Michigan during a declared national or state emergency or war, you may apply for shutoff protection for up to 90 days, and extensions may also be requested. Verification of your active duty status may be required.