Help with Utility Bills
The City of Kalamazoo is making critical investments in our water and wastewater systems. These investments include replacing aging water mains, removing lead service lines, sewer improvements, reducing odors, and improving the treatment plant and water stations.
Improvements to our publicly owned utilities are funded by all of us by the rates that we pay. To make these investments, improve service, and meet regulatory requirements, rates have increased in recent years and are projected to increase over the next several years.
The rates that we pay in Kalamazoo are still low relative to similar communities, but we understand the strain they can create for some households. There is financial and other help available.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program to help low-income households pay overdue water and wastewater bills. Michigan received emergency funding from Congress to administer this program. This program is available to low-income homeowners or renters.
Funding is administered through MDHHS to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) statewide until September 30, 2023, unless depleted prior to that date.
You can learn more about this program on the State of Michigan's website, or call 211 or (877) 422-2726 to apply.
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF)
The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) was established under the American Rescue Plan Act. it is designed to keep Michigan residents in their homes by providing financial assistance to eliminate or reduce past due mortgage payments associated with home ownership, including property tax, condominium association dues, and/or housing utility payments.
Homeowners must own and reside in the property, be at or below 150% of the area median income, and have a hardship that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic or issues that it has caused. MIHAF can provide grants up to $25,000. You can apply online at mihaf.michigan.gov.
Apply for MIHAF Online
City of Kalamazoo Water Affordability Program
The City of Kalamazoo is currently in the process of creating an affordability program for water customers. The program is expected to be implemented in 2024. A draft report on an affordability plan is available here(PDF, 4MB).
Lower Your Utility and Energy Bills through Energy Efficiency
Free help is available to reduce your homes energy and utility bills through a partnership with Consumers Energy. Qualified customers can get up to $50 of water and energy saving products for free to make their homes more energy efficient.
During the home energy analysis, a trained analyst will visit your home for about 90 minutes. They will evaluate your home and identify ways that it can be made more efficient. With your approval, they will install things like LED light bulbs, faucet aerators, high efficiency shower heads, water heater pipe wrap, and programmable thermostats. They will also provide dye kits that can help check your toilets to see if they are leaking and constantly using water. These things can save as much as $150 per year. After the analysis is completed, you will receive a summary report with additional recommendations to improve your home's comfort and efficiency.
Use promo code Kzoo21 when scheduling.
Schedule a Free Home Energy Analysis