How to get help
   * Winter Protection Plan. This protects seniors 65 and older and low-income customers (defined as those whose household income is at or below 150 percent of the poverty level) against high heating bills in the winter months and from service shutoffs. To apply, contact your natural gas or electric utility supplier. Questions can be directed to the Michigan Public Service Commission at (800) 292-9555.
   * Home heating credit. Low-income individuals and those on public assistance or receiving unemployment compensation benefits may be eligible to receive $150 or more to help pay for winter heating bills. To find out if they meet the program's guidelines, consumers should call the Michigan Department of Treasury at (800) 487-7000.
   * Earned income credit. A household with earnings under $27,413, with a qualifying child and at least one worker in the home, may qualify for a tax credit or at least $2,353. Questions should be directed to the U.S. Department of Treasury at (800) 829-1040.
   * Emergency relief program. Low-income households may be eligible for help. The program can also help customers who lost service because of nonpayment get service restored. For information, call the Michigan Family Independence Agency at (800) 292-5650.

This information from The Detroit News. For more on this story, click here.