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1.0 MEAP PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are responsible for the administration of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). The Interagency Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding between MDHHS and LARA establishes the responsibilities of each party. MPSC contracts with local non-profits, local governments, and public and private entities to administer the program by using a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The RFP provides interested parties with sufficient information to enable them to prepare and submit a proposal, budget, budget narrative, and timeline. Grantees are awarded funding to assist eligible low-income households. Households who present with an energy crisis will initially apply for the State Emergency Relief program, either directly with MDHHS or with assistance from a grantee/MI Bridges Navigator and MDHHS will determine eligibility for LIHEAP assistance. Energy-based SER applicants will be eligible to receive energy security/self-sufficiency services, including case management through MEAP grantees. Households who qualify for an SER energy payment will be eligible for MEAP direct payment assistance, including enrollment in an affordable payment plan. 1.1 MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Program information can be found on the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) website: michigan.gov/energyassistance 1.2 HISTORY On March 28, 2013 Public Act 615 of the Michigan Public Acts of 2012 was enacted creating the Michigan Energy Assistance Act that requires the Michigan Department of Human Services to establish and administer the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). The purpose of MEAP is to establish and administer programs statewide that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. On July 1, 2013 Public Act 95 of the Michigan Public Acts of 2013 was enacted creating the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) charging the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with expending money from the fund as provided by the Michigan Energy Assistance Act. The Act allows the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to annually approve a low-income energy assistance funding factor, not to exceed $50,000,000, to support the LIEAF. On June 8, 2016, Public Act 147 of the Michigan Public Acts of 2016 was enacted extending the sunset date of the MEAP until September 30, 2019. On September 30, 2019, Public Act 87 was signed by Governor Whitmer extending the Michigan Energy Assistance Program for four years, until September 30, 2023.