DETROIT – State Representative George Cushingberry (D-Detroit) will host a Town Hall meeting on March 20 to give residents information and tips on how to deal with their expensive heating bills. Officials from DTE and The Heat and Warmth Fund will be on hand to share their expertise.
"We're trying to help soften the blow families will feel when they open up their energy bills," Cushingberry said. "Families working through financial hardship should not have to worry about being put out in the cold."
Because heating costs skyrocketed this winter, House Democrats recently announced an emergency energy plan to help families cope. Key components of the package include banning utilities from shutting off heat to homes during winter months, providing payment assistance through emergency funds and offering incentives to help families make their homes more energy efficient.
The Democratic legislation will:
- Ban utility companies from shutting off heat service during winter;
- Provide additional money for energy assistance funds;
- Give the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) the power to shift $5 million from research into a fund to help people pay heating bills;
- Set up a database to coordinate volunteers willing to help with winterization efforts; and
- Give residents a tax deduction if they winterize their homes.
The Town Hall meeting is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Messiah Baptist Church, 8100 W. Seven Mile Road in Detroit. A light snack will be served. The public is invited to attend.