MICHIGAN UTILITY RATE ASSISTANCE

• Arrearage forgiveness and deposit and fee waivers were provided by utilities that participated in the state's automated positive billing system and other payment plans. Under positive billing, a participating household must pay a percentage of its monthly assistance grant to its utility.

• The Winter Protection Plan protects low-income customers and all seniors age 65 and older from service shutoff December 1 --- March 31. Low-income customers pay 7 percent of their estimated annual bill plus a portion of any other amount they owe during the shutoff protection period.

LEVERAGING

2001: $2.1 million
2000: $2 million
1999: $2 million
1998: $2.9 million
1997: $5.5 million
1996: $7.4 million
1995: $6.4 million
1994: $6.8 million
1993: $11.6 million
1992: $9.3 million
1991: $21.7 million