The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Low‑Income Energy Assistance Grants.  The RFP makes available approximately $90 million, and invites proposals from public or private entities or local units of government that will provide energy assistance programs that will help low-income households meet home energy costs, and provide services that will enable participants to become or move toward becoming self-sufficient.

The grants are made possible by the newly created Michigan Energy Assistance Program and will be funded by the Low‑Income Energy Assistance Fund which includes $50,000,000 collected through a low‑income energy assistance funding factor approved by the MPSC; and $40,000,000 in Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds provided by DHS.

The deadline for the proposals is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2013.

The RFP is available on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ website.

Samantha Harkins is the Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at sharkins@mml.org