Consumer's Energy is working with five non-profit agencies to get help to people who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

“Sometimes there can be long term concerns, or sometimes it may must be a temporary hardship. So, we at Consumer's Energy are contributing $4-million. These five non-profit agencies are matching $8-million in additional [funds] and that should help up to 30,000 families get assistance this winter,” says Consumer's spokesperson Brian Wheeler.

Wheeler also says people from all 68 Lower Peninsula counties are eligible to receive help.

If individuals are in need of assistance for heating or electric bills they can call 2-1-1 or go to the Consumer's Energy web-site.