Seasonal guidelines finalized
Agreement between UPPCO and MPSC
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HOUGHTON -- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) have finalized the seasonal regulatory guidelines, financial assistance credits and shut-off protection guidelines ahead of the 2026-27 winter heating cycle.
According to UPPCO's Winter Protection Plan, located on its website, the Winter Protection Plan protects enrolled seniors (age 65 and older) and low-income customers whose annual household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, from service shutoffs and high utility bill payments during the heating season (November 1 through March 31).
According to the MPSC, under regulatory provisions, income-eligible participants must apply for energy assistance and pay at least 7 percent of their estimated annual utility bill monthly during the protection window. If an account arrearage exists at the time of application, state utility rules mandate that the past-due balance must be paid in equal monthly installments before the start of the subsequent heating season.
All senior citizen customers remain eligible for the winter protection parameters regardless of household income. MPSC guidelines state that if a senior citizen’s service was disconnected prior to applying for the program, the utility must restore service during the heating season without requiring an immediate payment. While specific monthly minimums are not mandated for seniors during the winter months, MPSC guidelines encourage participants to pay what they can to avoid large outstanding balances when the protection period concludes.
UPPCO emphasized that participation does not relieve customers from the financial responsibility of their total electricity usage, and all outstanding balances must be settled or arranged before the next winter cycle commences.
Additional localized safeguard programs include a Medical Emergency Hold, which temporarily halts service shut-offs for 21 to 63 days upon the submission of a medical certification form UPPCO says. UPPCO also provides Critical Care Protection safety provisions for households relying on life-support equipment, and standard shut-off protections lasting up to 90 days for qualifying active-duty military personnel.
Low-income households at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for a recurring $15 monthly credit under UPPCO’s Residential Income Assistance program, UPPCO says.
Customers can also apply for the two-year EASE (Energy Assistance, Self-sufficiency, and Education) affordable payment plan, which covers a designated portion of the monthly bill and pairs participants with free in-home energy efficiency audits conducted through UPPCO’s Empower program.
For crisis interventions, residents can access the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and State Emergency Relief (SER) frameworks. These programs provide emergency heating fuel funding, assistance with past-due notices, and home repairs for households at or below 60 percent of the state median income.
Local intake operations are managed by partner organizations, including the Superior Watershed Partnership, which can be reached directly at (906) 273-2742, and the state’s MI Bridges portal. Free structural energy-saving upgrades are also available via the Weatherization Assistance Program for households meeting the 200 percent federal poverty threshold.
According to utility guidelines, residents can verify specific eligibility parameters, check account balances, or arrange payment configurations by utilizing the utility’s digital portal or calling customer service lines directly.