MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – More U.P. families struggling with utility bill payments can now find relief through the Superior Watershed Partnership’s utility assistance program.
The SWP recently received a $1.57 million “MI Impact” grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to expand heat, electric, water, and waste utility assistance for low- to moderate-income households in the U.P. The SWP already provides assistance to low-income and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) residents in the U.P. and has worked with over 9,000 income-qualified households to provide assistance since 2013.
Realizing that many more households needed assistance than those who had previously been eligible, the SWP began seeking additional funding to expand its services to more U.P. residents in need, as well as to offer assistance with utility bills that many assistance programs exclude, such as water and waste.
The SWP cited a study from Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan showing the average U.P. household spends 50% of their income on high transportation costs, food, employment, education, and housing.
“This is a one-of-a-kind program to help households who are not eligible for State Emergency Relief utility assistance. With low-income Michigan residents spending an average of 15% of their income on energy bills alone, this funding couldn’t come at a better time to help people in the U.P.,” said Kasey Grieco, Program Manager.
Households with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level that have been approved for State Emergency Relief since Oct. 1, 2024 may qualify for assistance with participating water and waste bills. Households with incomes between 151% and 300% of the FPL may qualify for heat, electric, water, and waste with participating providers.
U.P. residents who may benefit from this program should contact the SWP Climate & Energy Office at 906-273-2742, or visit the website for more information and eligibility guidelines.
The SWP is one of ten Michigan non-profits, and the only one in the U.P., to be awarded funding from the grant program. This funding is supported through the American Rescue Plan Act, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
