Tag Archives: energy savings

Updated Consumers Energy policy unlocks more energy bill assistance for those in need

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Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief funds may now qualify for additional assistance (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief (SER) funds and haven’t received the full $500 annual payment credit may now qualify for additional assistance under a new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policy in effect immediately.

State Emergency Relief dollars help certain income-qualified customers take control of their past due energy bills up to a maximum of $500. The one-time federal funds disbursed at the state level are distributed to customers who apply and whose household income is 150% of the federal poverty level or below.

How it works

Beginning July 7, new customer applicants who haven’t received relief in Fiscal Year 2025, which ends Sept. 30, are eligible to receive the $500 per commodity cap, regardless of their past-due balance.

Previous SER recipients who haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap can apply for the remaining amount (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Previous SER recipients who have already received funding since Oct. 1, 2024—but haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap—can apply for the remaining amount starting July 11 through Sept. 30. These payments may result in a credit on the customer’s account.

“We’re dedicated to equity, accessibility and affordability for Michiganders who count on us for reliable electricity and natural gas,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president, chief customer and growth officer.

“Through our various energy savings programs, energy assistance offerings and partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we support the growing needs of our customers who experience challenges paying their bills.”

This new policy could allow customers to receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Under the former policy, a customer who owes $250 to keep their account active could apply and, if approved, get a credit paid back in that amount but would not have been eligible for additional relief in the same fiscal year. Under the new policy, however, that customer could now receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed of $500 if they have accumulated additional arrears.

Additional energy assistance

Last year, 540,000 customers received $38.4M in State Emergency Relief funding. In total, 137,000 families across 30 Michigan counties received some type of energy assistance. 

In addition to State Emergency Relief funds, there is additional help available for anyone who needs assistance with their energy bills by calling 2-1-1, a free resource that connects people with nonprofit organizations. Customers can also visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance.

To make it easier for customers to find the help they need based on their situation, Consumers Energy recently launched “My Personalized Offerings,” an easy-to-use tool that empowers customers to identify and enroll in custom payment assistance and energy management programs. The optional tool is free and available to all customers at ConsumersEnergy.com/Offers.

More resources:

My Bridges – State Emergency Relief – see if you qualify or to apply

Contact your local DHHS office here

Federal poverty level guidelines

Kick out the cold this winter season with 100 energy saving actions from Consumers Energy

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Consumers Energy is prepared to assist customers by providing energy saving strategies and helpful resources to combat higher heating costs (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Michigan’s frigid winter weather is here, and with colder temperatures comes an increase in energy consumption. Whatever your cozy is – inside by the fireplace, under a blanket or with a hot cup of coffee, Consumers Energy is here to help keep you warm.

While customers may see a seasonal increase in their bills this winter, Consumers Energy is prepared to assist customers in kicking out the cold by providing energy saving strategies and helpful resources for those who may need help paying for their higher heating costs.

Small changes can make a big difference in cost (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“Simply making a few small meaningful changes can make a big difference for your wallet, without sacrificing your comfort,” said Lauren Snyder, Vice President of Customer Experience for Consumer Energy. “We want to be sure our customers stay safe and warm this winter.”

How to save

Home heating costs account for about 30% of customers’ energy bills, with water heaters alone accounting for almost 15%. By addressing these two key areas of consumption, customers can take control and maximize their cost savings.

One of the easiest ways to save is by installing a programmable smart thermostat now that the heating season has started. Doing so could save as much as 20% on heating costs. Customers typically save 1%-3% for every degree they dial down their thermostat. Plus, customers can save money by installing a programmable or wi-fi thermostat, often at reduced costs through ConsumersEnergyStore.com.

Consumers Energy offers these additional cost-saving tips:

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
  • Have your heating system tuned up and inspected by a service professional and replace your furnace filter. If you furnace can breathe more easily it will use less energy.

  • Make sure your attic, basement, garage, and exterior doors are closed to prevent cold drafts from getting in and heat from getting out. A gap of just one-eighth of an inch around your windows or doors is like having a softball size hole in them, allowing cold air in and making your furnace work harder to accommodate for that extra cold air.

  • Turn on your ceiling fan. Ceiling fans set at a slow speed can push warm air away that rises to the ceiling and move it around the room without creating a chilling breeze.

  • When it comes to savings on heating your water, take a shower instead of a bath which uses less hot water.

  • Set your water heater temperature at 120 degrees. By lowering the temperature, you can cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort.

  • Save even more by setting your water heater to “on vacation” (if your unit has this feature) when you’re away from home more than two days.

To see all the 100 Ways to Save, customers can visit consumersenergy.com/saveenergy.

Energy bill assistance

Help is available for anyone who needs assistance with their energy bill. People can call 2-1-1, a free resource that connects people with nonprofit organizations, or visit consumersenergy.com/assistance.