The Superior Watershed Partnership’s Energy and Climate office has received funding to expand heat and electricity assistance to residents in the Upper Peninsula. Recently the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity granted funding to the superior watershed partnership totaling 1.57 million dollars.
The partnership says that the funds will greatly improve its ability to assist more residents in the region. The program will target residents that are low-income and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations. Households with incomes within up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for assistance with water and waste bills. Those households between 151 percent and 300 percent of the FPL may also qualify for heating and electric assistance. Since 2013 Superior Watershed Partnership has worked with more than 8,000 households in the Upper Peninsula to provide heating and electric assistance.
The Superior Watershed Partnership was one of ten organizations in the state to receive similar funds. And the only group in the Upper Peninsula authorized to provide utility assistance for the Michigan Impact Grant program. The program’s goal is to lift 100,000 Michigan families out of poverty within the next five years.
Upper Peninsula residents in need of assistance should contact the SWP Climate & Energy Office at 906-273-2742, or visit the website for more information and eligibility guidelines.