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State-Mandated Michigan
Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF)

Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF)

Effective September 1, 2026, the monthly Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) surcharge will increase to $1.50 per electric meter.

Beginning October 1, 2026, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will administer a local energy assistance program in partnership with The Salvation Army. Under this new program, LIEAF funds collected from TCLP customers will stay in our community rather than being pooled for statewide administration. This allows the funds collected from our customers to directly benefit eligible households served by TCLP and help more local families with their energy needs.

In addition to providing assistance with TCLP electric bills, the program will also provide assistance toward home heating costs, allowing qualifying households to receive support for both essential energy needs through one local program.

What is LIEAF?

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) is a state-mandated program that provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to help pay electric bills and prevent service disconnections.

Beginning October 1, 2026, the LIEAF funds collected from TCLP customers will be used to assist income-eligible TCLP customers, ensuring that the money collected from our community stays in our community.

LIEAF Surcharge

  • Purpose: To help income-eligible households maintain electric and home heating service and avoid disconnection.
  • Amount: $1.50 per electric meter, per month
  • Effective: September 1, 2026
  • Bill Appearance: Energy Assistance – Public Act 169
  • Where the Funds Go: Rather than being distributed through a statewide program, the LIEAF funds collected from TCLP customers will remain in our community. Working with The Salvation Army, TCLP will use these funds to provide assistance to income-eligible customers with both their electric and home heating costs, ensuring more of the money collected locally directly benefits local households.

Who Qualifies for Assistance?

To qualify for assistance, applicants must:

  • Meet the current state income eligibility guidelines (up to 60% of the State Median Income based on household size)
  • Be a Michigan resident
  • Have an active TCLP electric account in their name

You do not need to be past due on your electric bill to apply for assistance.

Current Income Eligibility Table: 

How to Apply for Assistance

Beginning October 1, 2026

Apply through: The Salvation Army – Traverse City

  • Applications are available through The Salvation Army 1239 Barlow St. Traverse City, MI 49686. Phone: 231-946-4644
  • The Salvation Army will review applications, determine eligibility, and administer assistance on behalf of TCLP.

Documents You May Need

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • Verification of household income
  • Photo identification
  • Social Security cards (or other acceptable identification)
  • Current electric bill
  • Proof of residency

Additional documentation may be requested during the eligibility review.

Additional State Resources 

Types of Assistance Available

Depending on eligibility and available funding, TCLP’s LIEAF program may provide assistance toward:

  • Electric bills
  • Home heating bills
  • Maintaining electric service
  • Preventing an energy account from becoming past due

The program is intended to help eligible households maintain access to essential energy services and address energy needs before they become an emergency.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Traverse City Light & Power Customer Service

Phone: 231-922-4940

Email: customerservice@tclp.org

TCLP Customer Service can answer questions about the program and direct customers to the appropriate application process. Eligibility determinations and application processing are completed by The Salvation Army.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TCLP determine eligibility?

No. TCLP does not review applications or determine qualifications. All assistance decisions are determined through The Salvation Army.

How long does approval take?

Processing times vary and depend on documentation and funding availability.

What if I don’t qualify for TCLP’s LIEAF Assistance Program?

Customers who do not meet income guidelines may still have options:

  • TCLP payment plans
  • Budget billing
  • Local community resources
  • Energy-efficiency programs to help lower usage
Is assistance guaranteed?

No. Assistance is limited by available funding and agency capacity.

Can I still apply for State Emergency Relief (SER)?
  • SER is a separate program administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Customers who meet SER eligibility requirements may continue to apply for assistance through MDHHS. TCLP’s LIEAF program does not replace or eliminate SER.
Why did TCLP decide to administer its own LIEAF program?

During the 2025–26 program year, TCLP participated in the statewide Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) to evaluate how the program operated and how it served our customers.

Beginning with the 2026–27 program year, TCLP chose to administer its own LIEAF program through a partnership with The Salvation Army. This approach allows the LIEAF funds collected from TCLP customers to remain in our community and directly assist income-eligible TCLP customers. It also provides greater local oversight of the program and enables assistance for both electric and home heating costs, helping more local households meet their essential energy needs.

LIEAF Program Background 

  • The Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) was established in 2013 as an optional program for Michigan electric utilities.
  • A 2024 amendment (Public Act 169) requires all Michigan electric utilities to either:
    1. Participate in the statewide LIEAF program, or
    2. Operate a local low-income energy assistance program that meets state requirements.
  • Historically, TCLP chose not to participate in the statewide program because of concerns that funds collected from our customers could be distributed outside of our community.
  • For the 2025–26 program year, TCLP’s Board elected to participate in the statewide program for one year to evaluate its effectiveness and determine the best long-term approach for serving our customers.
  • For the 2026–27 program year, TCLP’s Board elected to operate its own LIEAF program in partnership with The Salvation Army. Under this local model, the LIEAF funds collected from TCLP customers will remain in our community and be used to assist income-eligible TCLP customers with both electric and home heating costs.