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Ottawa County committee to forward $246,000 Consumers Energy grant for emergency utility assistance
Summary
Ottawa Countys Finance Administration Committee unanimously moved to forward a $246,000 Consumers Energy contribution to the Board of Commissioners to fund emergency utility assistance for Consumers Energy customers, expanding eligibility to households up to 400% of the federal poverty level.
The Finance Administration Committee voted Feb. 10 to forward a work agreement accepting a $246,000 contribution from Consumers Energy to the county board for approval.
County staff said the grant will cover administrative expenses and the bulk of funds will be used to provide emergency utility assistance for Consumers Energy customers who are past due. Unlike many existing programs, the grant expands eligibility to households up to 400% of the federal poverty level, staff said, closing a gap above the countys typical 250% limit.
A county staff member presenting the item said funds could also be used in limited cases to remedy emergency electrical access problems, such as a damaged electrical box, when a customer is without power. Staff said clients will be routed through 2-1-1 and, in some cases, through the states MDHHS emergency-relief referrals for additional coordination.
Committee members asked whether the program covers customers served by the Holland Board of Public Works; staff said the county previously contracted with Holland Board of Public Works but that agreement ended Oct. 1 amid legislative changes to utility assistance and that those customers are currently served by MDHHS state emergency-relief programs.
The committee moved the work agreement forward to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.
