Michigan public power utility Marquette Board of Light and Power (MBLP) and Community Action Alger-Marquette (CAAM) are partnering to launch a new locally administered energy-assistance program beginning October 1, 2026. The program will help qualifying MBLP customers pay both their electric bills and home-heating costs.

Under the new program, low-income energy assistance funds collected from MBLP customers will support MBLP’s locally administered assistance program rather than being remitted for distribution through the statewide program. This approach will allow funds contributed by MBLP customers to directly support eligible households served by MBLP.

“Hiring a local administrator for the low-income assistance program gives us greater control and better stewardship of rate payer dollars.  Qualified customers will receive the same level of assistance they would under the state program, and any unused funds will roll over to the next year, which would lower the surcharge for all customers,” said Director of Finance Bill Toomey.

Customers will obtain the application through CAAM, which will verify that they have an active MBLP electric account before referring them to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). CAAM will then review documentation, determine eligibility and coordinate approved assistance with MBLP. Assistance is not guaranteed and will depend on eligibility, available funding and agency capacity.

To qualify, applicants must meet current state income guidelines and have an active MBLP electric account in their name. 

Beginning September 1, 2026, the low-income energy assistance surcharge collected on MBLP electric bills will increase to $1.50 per electric meter per month. The locally collected funds will support the new program for qualifying MBLP households.

CAAM will review applications, determine eligibility, and administer assistance on behalf of MBLP.