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As winter establishes its hold on the region, Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) is highlighting resources, including home heating assistance, that may be available for Upper Peninsula residents.
“The process for applying for assistance has changed this year,” according to Brett French, UPPCO’s Vice President of Business Development and Communications. “Customers must apply for assistance and support through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) by applying online at https://michigan.gov/mibridges. DHHS will determine and establish a customers’ eligibility for home heating assistance.”
Community Partners are available to assist those customers that may require assistance. Customers can call the U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere within the Upper Peninsula to find Community Partners that are located in their area. U.P. 2-1-1 is administered by the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress or UPCAP, a non-profit, charitable organization.
“The U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center is a great resource that people can turn to for information and assistance for a child, aging parent or the entire family,” said French. “2-1-1 can help simplify the process of finding help during a time of need.”
UPPCO is also highlighting the state’s Winter Protection Plan. The Plan covers the period of November 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019. The Plan helps senior citizens and income-eligible customers manage utility bills and prevent service interruptions. Customers that are interested in the Winter Protection Plan should contact UPPCO for more information. Income-eligible customers must also apply for energy assistance through DHSS using MI Bridges to stay enrolled in the Plan.
Once enrolled, income-eligible customers must pay a portion of their estimated annual bill each month and make equal monthly payments on any past due bills. Enrolled senior citizens are not required to make payments during the Winter Protection Plan period but are encouraged to pay whatever they can to avoid large bills when the protection period ends in the spring.
UPPCO customers can call (906) 449-2013 or 800-562-7680 to determine if they qualify for the Winter Protection Plan. Additional information is available at www.uppco.com.
