Upper Peninsula residents struggling to pay heat and electric bills may be able to get assistance through a Superior Watershed Partnership program.

In a news release, SWP pointed out that reforms in the Michigan Energy Assistance Program have increased available funding and expanded eligibility. SWP was awarded $5 million to assist income-qualified households in the U.P. and northern Michigan with energy expenses beginning this fall.

The assistance includes direct payments and affordable payment plans, along with energy education, budgeting assistance, energy waste reduction, weatherization programs and home energy assessments.

Expanded MEAP eligibility allows households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income to qualify for assistance with heat and electric costs, SWP said. This means that a family of four earning up to $5,832 per month may find relief.

Most electric utilities participate in MEAP, which allows an assistance total of up to $2,500 per year, according to SWP.

Households that received State Emergency Relief in the past are encouraged to apply for SER before coming to SWP. Participating in both programs provides more funding opportunities, SWP said.

Requirements for SER from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services still require past due bills and/or deliverable fuel capacity at or below 25%.

Residents throughout the U.P. who need assistance may contact the SWP Energy Office at 906-273-2742 or go to https://superiorwatersheds.org/energy-conservation for more information and eligibility guidelines.

Superior Watershed Partnership is non-profit organization serving the Upper Peninsula.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.