Less Heating Assistance Available This Winter - Northern Michigan's News Leader

Less Heating Assistance Available This Winter

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Winter is just around the corner and one local agency is concerned it may have to turn people away looking for heating assistance this year.

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency says less money will be available .

Funding from the Michigan Public Service Commission that helps with natural gas and electric shutoffs was not collected this year. A court ruling last year said the funds cannot be collected through bill credits and a new system has not been established.

Without the money, the agency will only have funds to provide deliverable fuels like wood pellets or propane.

The state legislature is working on the funding situation but has not reached an agreement.

The community action agency cannot start distributing the remaining funds for deliverable fuels until November 1st.

The Department of Human Services can provide emergency assistance if immediate help is needed.

9 and 10's Kyle Mitchell and photojournalist Joel Deaner have more on what this could mean for people in need.

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