Heavy buildups of snow
and ice on meters and pipes can cause stress
that may lead to gas leaks. Additionally,
built-up snow and ice can hinder quick access
to a shut-off valve in an emergency.
Also, as a safety precaution,
carefully clear icicles and other large
amounts of ice from roofs and around gas
meters, being careful not to damage Gas
Company equipment.
Check
the eligibility criteria listed below
to determine whether you meet the
income guidelines. If you are eligible
for the heating credit, you need to
complete and file a 2009 Michigan
Home Heating Credit Claim form.
Contact SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY,
your local Area Agency on Aging office,
the Michigan Department of Human Services
or the Michigan Department of the
Treasury for more information.
This program runs from January through September.
If you qualify for the credit, an energy
draft is issued by the State of Michigan
to you or directly to the utility to be
used for payment of heating bills. Additional
benefits may be available if you are age
65 or older, deaf, blind or have another
disability. You do not have to file a state
tax return to be eligible for this program.
Information regarding your previous annual
usage, needed for completion of the HHC
application, is on your monthly bill starting
in January 2010. An eligible customer is
protected from shut-off from the time the
HHC form is filed until the draft is issued.
To receive this protection, you must notify
the utility when you file and keep copies
of all records included in filing the Credit
claim.
