The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today highlighted efforts by utilities to reconnect utility service for senior citizens free of charge and no questions asked during the heating season. 

"With cold temperatures here, the MPSC wants to make sure senior citizens know they can be reconnected to utility service without charge and without questions," MPSC Commissioner Monica Martinez noted.  "It's part of the effort to make sure senior citizens are protected from shut-offs during the heating season."

Michigan's natural gas and electric utilities have made special efforts to identify customers who are senior citizens and get them reconnected - if they are currently not receiving utility service - and on a shut-off prevention program for the winter months.

MPSC rules define senior citizen as a customer who is age 65 or older.   Some utilities work with senior citizens younger than 65 years of age.  Utility customers should contact their utility company to find out more information.

The heating season runs from Nov. 1 through March 31, however some utilities are getting customers reconnected early.

Any customer who is having difficulty paying their electric or natural gas bill - or who is currently disconnected - should contact their utility or the Michigan Public Service Commission at 1-800-292-9555 - to find out what programs they may be eligible for.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.