MPSC to Hold Public Hearing on Decline in Michigan LIHEAP Funds

Contact:  Judy Palnau, 517-241-3323
Agency:  Michigan Public Service Commission

April 17, 2012 - The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today said it will hold a public hearing regarding the decline in the amount of funds received through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The hearing is required by Michigan law whenever a reduction in these federal funds occurs.  After the hearing, a report will be prepared and submitted to the Governor and Michigan legislature.

The MPSC recently learned that the amount of federal funds available for LIHEAP may be reduced compared to prior years.  Federal funding for the LIHEAP program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 could decline by $480 million compared to FY 2012.  Total LIHEAP funding in Michigan has declined from a high of $276.5 million in FY 2010 to $173.4 million in FY 2012.  For FY 2013, Michigan LIHEAP funding is estimated at $137.3 million.

The Commission has scheduled a legislative-type public hearing to receive comments on the situation at 10 a.m. on May 14 in Hearing Room 1 at 4300 W. Saginaw, Lansing.

The commission encourages interested parties to become involved in this proceeding.  In addition, any person may submit written comments regarding the decline in LIHEAP funding.  Those comments should reference Case No. U-16978 and must be received no later than 5 p.m. on May 29 to be considered.  Address mailed comments to:  Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI  48909.  Electronic comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov and documents, in Word or PDF format, may be attached to the e-mail.  Comments may also be submitted electronically through the Commission's E-Docket website at:  Michigan.gov/mpscedockets.  All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information available on the Commission's website and subject to disclosure; and all comments will be filed in Case No. U-16978.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Case No. U-16978

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