Payment Assistance
If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill, please reach out to us. Our Customer Relationship Specialists will make every reasonable effort to help customers avoid service disconnection, which may include discussing available payment arrangement options.
Explore the available resources listed below. If you’re unsure which path is right for you, just give us a call at (616) 772-6212. We’re happy to walk you through your options.
Financial Assistance Options
Zeeland BPW provides energy and heating assistance to qualifying residential customers. Our program is offered instead of collecting the state Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) surcharge. We ensure compliance with state statutes (Public Acts 169 & 170 of 2024) while maintaining simple access for customers.
If your electric or heating bill is not past-due or disconnected but you still need assistance, go directly to Step 2a
Step 1: Apply for State of Emergency Relief (SER)
SER is the first step for anyone seeking support with energy, heating, water, or wastewater bills.
If your electric or heating bill is not past-due or disconnected but you still need assistance, go directly to Step 2a.
How to Apply:
If your income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), SER may help with:
- Up to $600/year (gas, wood, electricity)
- Up to $900/year (propane, fuel oil, coal, all-electric)
If your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), SER may help with:
- Up to $3,000/year (water and wastewater)
Important Notes:
- A past-due or disconnect notice is required for SER electric or heating assistance
- All assistance is subject to funding limitations
Step 2a: Electric & Heating Assistance
If you are not yet past-due or your SER application doesn’t cover your needs (or is denied), apply for Zeeland BPW utility assistance for electric and heating through our grant in partnership with OCCAA. Additional grant opportunities may be available for water or wastewater support in step 2b.
How to Apply:
Contact OCCAA at:
(616) 393-4433
miottawa.org/caa/utility-assistance
12251 James St Ste 300, Holland, MI 49424
This Program May Help With:
- Electric charges and heating fuel only (water/wastewater is available under a separate grant)
- Self-sufficiency services such as budgeting, weatherization, and energy education
Assistance is subject to funding limitations
You May Be Eligible If:
- Your household income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI)
- Your SER application was insufficient or denied
- You are not yet past due but seeking assistance
Step 2b: Water & Wastewater Assistance
If you are not yet past-due or your SER application doesn’t cover your needs (or is denied), apply for OCCAA Utility Assistance for water and wastewater assistance.
How to Apply:
Contact OCCAA at:
(616) 393-4433
miottawa.org/caa/utility-assistance
12251 James St Ste 300, Holland, MI 49424
OCCAA May Help With:
- Covers water/wastewater charges only
Assistance is subject to funding limitations
You May Be Eligible If:
- Your household income is at or below 200% the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Your SER application was insufficient or denied
- You are not yet past due but seeking assistance