Michigan set an affordability goal for utility bills. For some, help can’t come soon enough. (opens original article in a new tab)

Michigan regulators established a goal to cap utility costs for low-income households at 6% of income, but implementation is pending and many residents may not qualify. The state is exploring new approaches to address rising energy costs and utility shut-offs.

• Michigan regulators set a goal to limit low-income households' combined gas and electric costs to 6% of income
• Many struggling households may not qualify for the new affordability program
• DTE's pilot program showed that capping utility costs reduced disconnections and improved payments
• Michigan expanded MEAP eligibility to 60% of state median income but some households still don't qualify