LANSING, Mich. - Up to 1,500 low-income utility customers are eligible to receive free, energy-saving thermostats with free installation in the next few months, under a program to designed to combat soaring energy costs announced by Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Indiana Michigan Power Co., and SEMCO Energy Gas Co.

The program, "Save Energy With Ease," will also make available energy conservation kits to about 3,500 customers at all income levels, according to Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and representatives of Michigan's leading utilities.

According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, the assistance comes on top of a major financial program for low-income residents who are having trouble paying their gas and electric bills. Granholm said that program has authorized $51 million in grant money, and that she has asked the Michigan Public Service Commission to provide another $25 million.