Consumers Energy Offers Tips to Help Customers Stay Cool and Reduce Bills for Michigan's First Summer Blast

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy has provided tips to help Michigan residents stay cool and reduce energy bills during the state's first summer heatwave of 2024. Lauren Snyder, VP of Customer Experience, highlighted simple actions such as adjusting thermostats, using fans, and shifting energy use to off-peak hours. Consumers Energy is also giving away Google Nest thermostats to eligible households to further assist in energy savings. Additionally, resources are available for customers needing financial help with their energy bills. The company continues to meet the energy needs of nearly 2 million homes and businesses through a mix of natural gas, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and pumped storage power plants. Consumers Energy aims to eliminate coal by 2025 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Positive

• Consumers Energy is meeting the energy needs of nearly 2 million Michigan homes and businesses.
• Offering Google Nest thermostats at no cost to eligible households, potentially saving up to 15% on bills.
• Encouraged reducing energy use through simple actions like adjusting thermostats and using fans.
• Promoting the use of energy during off-peak hours to save money.
• Consumers Energy is providing financial assistance resources for customers in need.
• Commitment to eliminating coal by 2025 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
• Utilizing a diverse energy mix including natural gas, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and pumped storage plants.

Negative

• High energy demand during summer heatwaves could strain resources.
• Potential challenges for customers not eligible for the free Google Nest thermostat program.
• Dependence on behavior change for significant energy savings might not be effective for all customers.

JACKSON, Mich., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Michigan getting its first taste of summer heat this week, Consumers Energy is offering tips to help customers control their energy bills while still staying cool.

"People can take action, even on scorching summer days, to stay in control of their bills and be safe and comfortable," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "We want to make sure our customers know they can ease the strain on their air conditioners by taking simple steps that add up to savings."

Snyder said Consumers Energy is meeting the energy needs of nearly 2 million Michigan homes and businesses every day this summer, helped by natural gas plants, solar power plants, wind parks, hydroelectric dams and the Ludington Pumped Storage plant, one of the world's largest electric storage batteries.

Snyder encouraged the public to take the following steps this week:

• Start with your thermostat … Perhaps the easiest way to reduce your energy use is to adjust your thermostat. For every degree you change your thermostat, you can save 1 to 3 percent over time. Don't be uncomfortable, but understand that a small change can make a big difference.
• Speaking of thermostats … We're giving them away! Consumers Energy is offering Google Nest thermostats at no cost to eligible households. Smart thermostats can save you up to 15% on your bill. Customers whose homes receive electricity from Consumers Energy and have central air can learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com/SpringGiveaway.
• Turn off the lights … Don't want to waste money? Don't waste energy. Turn off the lights when you leave rooms, and turn off appliances when they're not being used.
• Shift your energy use … Save money by using energy in the mornings or at night. Or if you have an electric vehicle, charge it overnight. Those are the times when energy is the most affordable.
• Be a big fan of fans … Use your air conditioner, of course, but fans are also effective ways to keep cool on hot days. Did we mention you should turn them off when you walk away? Fans cool people, not rooms.

Read more: Don't Sweat High Temps, Bills This Summer

Snyder also reminded people that 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 www.consumersenergy.com/payment-assistance. 

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source by 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy

 

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What tips is Consumers Energy offering to help reduce energy bills during Michigan's summer heat?

Consumers Energy suggests adjusting thermostats, using fans, turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and shifting energy use to off-peak hours.

How can Michigan residents get a free Google Nest thermostat from Consumers Energy?

Eligible households that receive electricity from Consumers Energy and have central air can get a free Google Nest thermostat by visiting ConsumersEnergy.com/SpringGiveaway.

What resources are available for Michigan residents needing help with their energy bills?

Consumers Energy provides financial assistance resources through the 2-1-1 helpline and their website at www.consumersenergy.com/payment-assistance.

What is Consumers Energy's plan for achieving net-zero carbon emissions?

Consumers Energy aims to eliminate coal as an energy source by 2025 and meet 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources like wind and solar to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

How many homes and businesses does Consumers Energy serve in Michigan?

Consumers Energy meets the energy needs of nearly 2 million homes and businesses in Michigan.