Support Our Work

Donation FAQs

  • Is THAW a program of the utility companies?
    NO. THAW is a statewide, independent, non-profit organization and is not part of any utility company.

    Our utility partners provide administrative expenses, non-cash bill credits, and in-kind services to THAW. DTE Energy, SEMCO Energy, and Michigan Gas Utilities solicit their customers and match customer contributions. Consumers Energy provides matching bill credits through their People Care program. Representatives from utility companies are represented on THAW's board, which promotes coordination of community services and avoids duplication or overlap of service.


  • Why can't I just add my donation to my monthly utility bill?
    Because we are a separate non-profit organization, we are not linked directly to any of the utility company billing systems. Each year, DTE Energy, SEMCO Energy, and Michigan Gas Utilities insert a brochure/envelope in their customer bills on our behalf. THAW maintains a secure post office box for contributions received through utility bill appeals.

    You may also send donations directly to our administrative office or contribute through our secure website using a credit card. Your advantage in sending a separate contribution is the ease of tracking your tax-deductible donations. You can be assured that your contribution is matched $1 for $1 by our utility partners and is used to pay energy bills for needy households.


  • How do I know that my donation goes to those who need it most?
    THAW works through more than 100 community agencies, such as Community Action Agencies, The Salvation Army, and other organizations in 70 counties that provide a full range of services including THAW's energy assistance program where families and individuals in need may apply for help. Agency staff verify income, determine need, and assist applicants in finding other resources and services.

  • Why do so many people need help?
    Economic shifts have led to a diminished number of higher paid manufacturing jobs and an explosion in jobs that pay low wages. Often, two-parent households working at minimum wage jobs still fall below the federal poverty level. Many THAW applicants live at the margin of poverty. Any crisis, such as an illness or loss of a job, can cause an inability to pay for heat or electricity. Throughout the state, higher energy costs have caused more people than ever to exhaust their resources.

  • Aren't utility companies prevented from shutting off service to poor people in the winter?
    While seniors and some low-income citizens are protected from shut-off during the coldest months, this may only delay terminations for those unable to afford service. An inability to pay winter bills may prompt the elderly to forgo needed medication or food in order to keep up payments.

    A family may cut back on nutrition to be able to meet their obligations, or they may use dangerous alternatives such as kerosene heaters or candles. Families that heat their homes with propane or oil have no protection from shut-off. When the tank is out, there're out of luck. Through your donations, THAW is there for families in need in winter and in early spring when it is still cold in Michigan and winter protection is ended.


  • Am I already paying for this in my utility rates?
    Utility contributions and matching funds to THAW come from shareholder (company) funds, not rate payers, and are not added to the cost of service.

  • Doesn't the government have funds for low-income energy needs?
    The Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides funds to Michigan low income households through the Home Heating Credit, which is not an emergency program. LIHEAP also funds the State Emergency Relief Program (SER) through the Michigan Department of Human Servcies (DHS - formerly FIA). Unfortunately, LIHEAP funds are inadequate. LIHEAP benefits cover only about 15% of the average annual energy cost.

    THAW is intended to supplement, not replace government assistance. All THAW recipients who are eligible for Home Heating Credit or SER must apply for these as a condition of receiving THAW assistance.

    In 2001, Michigan instituted a Low Income Energy Assistance and Efficiency (LI/EE) program managed by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). THAW applies for these funds when they are available and uses these funds to supplement the donations that we receive from the public.


  • What can THAW do to help people reduce household energy use so that utility bills are affordable?
    All THAW recipients who are eligible are referred for conservation education and weatherization assistance when programs are available. Agency caseworkers (screeners) often provide budget counseling and offer tips to reduce energy bills and manage household expenses.

  • Do recipients have to pay THAW funds back?
    THAW does not require that families reimburse any assistance they receive; however, applicants are required to contribute to their outstanding balance and participate in budget management programs in order to receive assistance. Often people who have been helped through a crisis become THAW contributors in the future.