Winter home heating bills are expected to be lower than last winter for people using natural gas or propane, while those using electric heat or fuel oil will see small increases.

Natural gas and propane prices have fallen statewide and could translate to lower bills, said Judy Palnau of Michigan Public Service Commission.

Donald Sawruk, president of Edison Sault Electric Company, said his customers may see increases of no more than 4% from last year, owing to increased purchased power costs for the company.

Over the past year, natural gas prices have fallen by about 12%, mainly because of decreasing demand and abundant supplies because of the recession, Mrs. Palnau explained.

The cost of gas is "significantly" lower than last year's prices, said Tim Lubbers, director of Marketing and External Affairs for Semco Energy, and customers can expect lower bills if they use the same amount of gas as last year.

The largest part of a customer's bill is the "gas cost recovery" (GCR) portion, the price of the gas itself. In December 2008, the GCR was 97.5¢ per hundred cubic feet. For December 2009, the GCR is 57.5¢ per hundred cubic feet, Mr. Lubbers said.

For customers of Edison Sault Electric, Mr. Sawruk said, prices will be slightly higher because its parent company, Wisconsin Electric, is bringing a new plant online and the costs of purchasing power will increase as the power company recovers its costs. About 35% to 40% of electricity the company provides is hydroelectric, while the remainder is purchased from Wisconsin Electric Power Company.

Customers of the Cloverland Electric Cooperative can expect to see an increase in their electric bill compared to last year, as well. The cooperative also purchases power from the Wisconsin Electric Power Company, leading to the increase. General Manager Dan Dasho explained if a customer used a typical 1,000 kilowatts a month last year, and uses the same amount this year, the customer will see about a $3 increase in the monthly bill.

Propane costs from Autore Oil of Cedarville will likely decrease this winter, said the company's president, Steve Autore. Prices per gallon for propane will decrease from $2.29 to $1.79 this year. Those prices assume customers pay their bills within five days for a 10¢ discount, he added.

Fuel oil from Autore will increase in cost this year compared to last, however. In 2008, oil cost $2.32 per gallon but increased this year by 17¢ to $2.49. Prices assume customers receive the 10¢ discount.

Assistance With Paying

Heating Bills

Energy providers offer budget plans and community groups can provide assistance.

Semco may be able to develop a payment plan for customers or direct customers to assistance programs, Mr. Lubbers said. It is best to call Semco as quickly as possible if customers believe they have difficulties. Customers can reach customer service at (800) 624-2019.

"Call us sooner [rather] than later," Mr. Lubbers advises.

Edison Sault offers similar help. Customers can call the main number at 632-2221 and work out a payment plan if they believe they will have trouble paying. Representatives can also connect customers with local, state, or federal programs that provide heating assistance.

Cloverland Electric can enroll customers in a payment plan if they expect payment difficulties.

"The key is, call us. Don't wait until the bill is overdue," Mr. Dasho said.

The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) offers a state emergency relief program. To be eligible, residents must complete an application and must have an overdue bill or shutoff notice. Other information, such as income, number of members in the individual's family, and expenses, will also be requested. If approved, DHS can provide assistance for heating bills up to a capped amount, said Terry Bush, the program supervisor.

Natural gas, wood, and electricity users can receive aid up to $550. Oil or propane users can receive aid up to $850. Users with an all-electric home can be aided up to $1,100. The department can be contacted at 643-9550 and is at 199 Ferry Lane in St. Ignace.

Community Action Agency provides heating assistance for residents using oil or propane fuel. To be eligible, residents must first be turned away from DHS and must provide proof of income. If the assistance is approved, the agency grants a lump sum $550 once a year. The agency may also provide gas and electric assistance next year beginning January 1, depending on funding received, coordinator Sheri Gould said.

St. Ignace Area Hope can connect residents to heating assistance resources through the hope hotline, or can aid them if they are in a hardship situation . The hotline can be reached at 643-6780.

Residents can also receive help from the Sault Ste. Marie Salvation Army. The Salvation Army helps with all forms of heating in Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa counties, said Stephanie Doran, the director of social services. Those in need can receive aid for the heating season, which continues until the end of April, or until funding for assistance runs out, she said. Residents must provide photo identification, Social Security numbers for everyone who lives in the household, and have an overdue bill that reflects the client's name and current address. Eligibility is determined by several factors, including income. Anyone interested in receiving aid from the Salvation Army must make an appointment with Mrs. Doran at (906) 632-6521. The Salvation Army expects to receive funding for the program in the next few weeks.