Emergency Utility Assistance Programs

The HeatShare program provides emergency utility assistance for people with no place left to turn. Heatshare funds are typically used to pay for natural gas, oil, propane, wood, electricity and emergency furnace repairs

HeatShare is offered at most Salvation Army operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Since 1983, donations from Consumers Energy, its customers and employees have allowed The Salvation Army to help more than 375,000 Michigan households with assistance, ranging from food to transportation to medical needs. The Salvation Army caseworkers also distribute PeopleCare bill credits to Consumers Energy’s low-income gas and electric customers. This program primarily serves individuals and families in Michigan.

Energy Assistance Services (EAS) seeks to walk alongside low-income households to address energy crises. In this process an applicant may be offered bill payment assistance, energy company subsidy program enrollment, and case management services. These services are designed to support household financial stability and help the customer in achieving goals they have set for themselves. In most situations, an EAS Case Specialist will meet with an applicant one on one to determine eligibility and to assess the need or opportunity for additional supports.

This program serves Michigan residents only.

To qualify, the applicant must reside in Missouri, live in a home and be the person responsible for paying the bill. The family’s gross income may not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guideline. The applicant must be current on their bill, or have a payment arrangement on their KCP&L account. Funding is limited and distributed on a first come, first served basis. Approved applicants may receive up to $65 toward thier electric bill for up to 12 months.

There are many similar programs for individuals and families in Kansas and Western Missouri: Atmos Energy Sharing the Warmth Program, Black Hills Cares, Midwest Customers Care and Kansas Gas Service's Share the Warmth program.

The Nicor "Sharing" Program assists eligible families, those who are disabled, and veterans and provides crisis assistance to Nicor residential heating customers. The program is funded through donations of Nicor customers and employees, and is available to customers once each year. This program primarily serves individuals and families in metropolitan Chicago.