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For fiscal year 2023, the MPSC adopted a monthly funding factor of 90 cents per meter for all Michigan electric utilities that have opted to participate in the funding of the LIEAF, effective for the September 2022 billing month, see Case No. U-17377. 1.3 KEY ENERGY ASSISTANCE DEFINITIONS AND DATES 1) “Crisis” means one of the following: 1) an individual or recipient has received a past due notice on an energy bill for his or her household (a shut off or disconnect notice is not required); 2) a residential fuel tank is estimated to contain no more than 25% of its heating fuel capacity; 3) a stated need for deliverable fuel or a nontraditional fuel source in which there is no meter or regular energy bill provided; or 4) a notice that the balance in a prepayment account is below a minimum amount.

2) “Crisis season” refers to the period from November 1 through May 31 each year. Not more than 30% of the funds awarded for energy assistance programs through MEAP shall be spent on home energy costs accrued outside the “crisis season.”

3) “Eligible low-income household” means a household with an income of not more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

4) “Federal Poverty Guidelines” means the poverty guidelines published annually in the federal register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under its authority to revise the poverty line under section 673(2) of subtitle B of title VI of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, 42 USC 9902. See the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines that will be in effect for the 2023 grant year October 1st through September 30th. 1.3.1 MEAP SELF-SUFFICIENCY DEFINITIONS Energy assistance through MEAP must include services that will enable participants to become or move toward becoming self-sufficient, including assisting participants in paying their energy bills on time, assisting participants in budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses, and assisting participants in utilizing energy services to optimize on energy waste reduction. Households receiving MEAP assistance must receive additional energy security services that could include:  Needs assessment to identify the most appropriate services and referrals  Vendor Advocacy  Financial education or budget conversation  Energy education or conservation conversation  Energy waste reduction services through home energy supplier programs  Weatherization  Short term case management  Longer term case management