Grand Rapids Consumers Energy Bill Help 2026–27: SER, the CARE Program, MEAP and Winter Shutoff Protection
If you live in Grand Rapids and can't keep up with your Consumers Energy bill, there are several layers of help: a state emergency payment, a two-year utility payment plan with debt forgiveness, monthly credits for seniors and low-income customers, and winter shutoff protection that starts November 1.
One local note first: as of mid-October 2026, Kent County Community Action lists its electric, gas and deliverable fuel assistance, its water and sewer help, and its rent and mortgage arrears help as currently closed. That makes the state and Consumers Energy programs below especially important right now.
This guide is based on Consumers Energy's payment assistance page, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Kent County Community Action.
Step 1: Call Consumers Energy
Call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 before a shutoff date. If your service is already disconnected, Consumers says you can call anytime and an agent will help. Ask about payment arrangements and which programs below fit your situation.
State Emergency Relief (SER)
SER is a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) program that pays toward heat or electric bills in a crisis. According to Consumers Energy and the MPSC:
Enrollment opened October 1 and runs until funds run out.
Income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
You must have a past-due notice or shutoff notice. SER can also help with a declared need for deliverable fuel such as propane, or a verified need for energy-related home repair.
Apply online through MDHHS or in person at a local MDHHS office.
The CARE Program: A 24-Month Plan With Debt Forgiveness
Consumers Energy's CARE Program is a 24-month payment plan that gives you an affordable fixed bill and forgiveness of your past-due balance over time. Per Consumers:
Enrollment opened October 1 and runs until funds last.
Income must be at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI).
Customers who receive state benefits such as SER, SNAP or the Home Heating Credit are automatically eligible, with proof of participation.
You no longer need to apply for SER first, but households in crisis at or below 150% FPL may be asked to apply for SER.
The account must be for your main residence (or someone authorized to apply for you), with no unaddressed theft, fraud or bankruptcy.
MEAP: Michigan Energy Assistance Program
The MPSC says MEAP provides payment assistance, arrearage help and energy-efficiency services with a focus on self-sufficiency. To qualify, you must be served by an electric utility that has opted into the Low Income Energy Assistance Fund surcharge, and have income at or below 60% of State Median Income or take part in SER, the Home Heating Credit, SNAP, TANF/FIP, WIC, Head Start, SSI or State Disability Assistance. Call 2-1-1 to be connected with a MEAP provider.
Consumers Energy lists agencies it works with, including:
The Salvation Army: 616-929-1645 (salarmy.us/energy)
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW): 800-866-8429
True North Community Services: 231-355-5880
Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity, or your local community action agency
Consumers says to call 2-1-1 to find out which agencies are currently open.
Winter Shutoff Protection (Nov. 1 to March 31)
Low Income Winter Protection Plan. The MPSC says this plan protects income-qualified customers from shutoff from November 1 to March 31. You qualify if you're at or below 150% FPL or receive MDHHS cash assistance, SSI, SNAP or Medicaid. In return:
you must pay at least 7% of your estimated annual bill each month,
any past-due balance must be paid in equal monthly installments from when you apply until the next heating season, and
at the end of the protection period, you must arrange to pay all outstanding bills before the next heating season.
Consumers Energy says enrollment runs from November to March.
Seniors 65 and older. The MPSC says customers 65 and older are protected from shutoff from November 1 to March 31.
Shut-Off Protection Plan (18 months). Consumers also offers year-round enrollment in an 18-month shutoff protection plan for customers 65 or older who receive MDHHS cash or food assistance or Medicaid, with income below 200% FPL.
Medical and Military Protections
Medical emergency hold: if you or someone in your home has a documented medical condition that losing service would make worse, you can be protected from shutoff for up to 21 days. Send written proof from a doctor or public health official on Consumers' form, then call 800-477-5050.
Critical Care Program: if you're on life support or have a life-threatening condition, complete the Medical Certification Form for shutoff protection, and re-enroll every year.
Active military duty: if you or your spouse are called to full-time active duty, you can apply for up to 90 days of shutoff protection, renewable. You still owe for energy used, and past-due amounts go on a plan to be paid within a year.
Third Party Notification: with your written permission, Consumers will send a copy of any shutoff notice to a friend, relative or agency.
Monthly Credits and Payment Plans
Senior Citizen Bill Credit: account holders 65 and older get a $4 monthly credit on their electric bill at their primary residence. It can't be combined with the Low-Income Assistance Credit or Residential Income Assistance.
Payment Arrangements: pay off a balance weekly, biweekly or monthly. Open year-round; eligibility depends on your payment history, and you can't be on another payment plan.
Payment Holds: if you can pay in full but need up to 10 more days, you can place one hold per billing cycle (account must be active and in good standing).
Budget Plan: spreads your bill evenly based on the past 12 months. Your past-due balance must be under $75 to enroll.
Home Heating Credit
Michigan's Home Heating Credit helps homeowners and renters with energy costs, and you don't need to file income taxes to get it. Consumers says the claim period runs January 1 through September 30, income must be at or below 110% FPL, and the average credit is about $200 per customer. For 2026, the filing deadline was September 30, so watch for the next window opening January 1, 2027. Free help filing is available through Michigan Free Tax Help and IRS free tax prep sites.
Lower Your Bills Long Term
Consumers offers a free Home Energy Analysis, with free energy-saving upgrades and tips that it says could save up to $150 a year. Renters need property manager permission, and you can't have had an analysis in the last five years.
Veterans can contact the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund county committee about help with utility bills and other emergencies.
Grand Rapids Energy Help Checklist
Call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 about your options.
Past-due or shutoff notice and income at or below 150% FPL? Apply for SER through MDHHS.
Ask Consumers about the CARE Program, especially if you get SNAP or SER.
Call 2-1-1 for MEAP agencies that are open.
Enroll in the Winter Protection Plan starting in November.
Seniors: ask about the $4 credit and senior shutoff protection.
Watch for the Home Heating Credit opening January 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kent County Community Action taking energy applications? As of mid-October 2026, its website lists energy assistance as closed. Contact KCCA at 616-632-7950 to check for updates.
Do I need to apply for SER before CARE? No. Consumers says a prior SER application is no longer required, though some households in crisis may be asked to apply.
Can Consumers shut me off in January? Not if you're enrolled in the Winter Protection Plan and keep up the required payments, or if you're 65 or older, under MPSC rules.
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