With winter’s biting gusts apparent anytime one wanders outside, area heating and electrical bills start climbing with near mathematical certainty.

And for many in Superiorland and beyond, that can mean hard choices that often result in dark, cold homes.

The Superior Watershed Partnership may be able to provide assistance.

The agency’s Michigan Energy Assistance Program has funding to assist Upper Peninsula residents with their heat and electric costs. In fact, SWP urges U.P. residents struggling with paying their heat and electric bills to contact the SWP MEAP Energy and Climate Office for assistance with home energy bills and energy efficiency services.

A recent Mining Journal story had details.

Households who are experiencing an energy crisis should apply directly to the State Emergency Relief Program using the MI-Bridges website at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or with assistance from the SWP Energy Office staff.

The completed application will determine eligibility for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Households must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for SER and MEAP payment services.

For example, a family of four must not have income exceeding $3,469 per month, SWP MEAP said in a news release.

The SWP Energy Office will assist any household with the SER application process and with SWP MEAP self-sufficiency services.

The SWP Energy and Climate Office, located at 1104 N. Third St., Marquette, is open from 8:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The office can be reached at 906-273-2742.

If you need help, call now and get the process moving.

It’s impossible to take advantage of this valuable program without applying.