• Source: Consumers Energy

JACKSON, MI - Consumers Energy, in collaboration with the Michigan Public Service Commission, introduced a new summer peak rate that will go into effect on June 1, for 1.6 million customers. Part of Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Plan, this new rate gives customers more control over their energy bills, and rewards them for using lower-cost electricity throughout the day. By shifting away from using energy at high-demand times, customers save money, and potentially prevent the need to build new power plants.

“We know we all can take steps to protect the planet, and using less energy during peak times provides us all an opportunity to make a difference,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s Vice President for customer experience.

“By shifting energy use to mornings, nights and weekends when the demand for energy is lower, customers can help lower their bills and make an impact on our clean energy future – helping to keep Michigan beautiful for generations to come.”

Consumers Energy has made its residential electric customers aware of the change, and offered advice on how to use this adjustment to their advantage financially. These include:

-Installing a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature for the best performance – and when combined with the Smart Thermostat Program, can effortlessly help -lower use during peak times.
-Adjusting your air conditioner: Generally, lowering your thermostat by 1 degree can reduce your electric bill by 1-3%.
-Avoiding afternoon chores: Run the dishwasher and do the laundry before 2 pm. and after 7 pm. on the weekdays, or, do it on the weekend.
-Freshening your filters: Clean or replace your AC filters once a month to allow your air conditioner to run more efficiently.
-Swapping out lightbulbs: Replace old incandescent bulbs with longer-lasting LEDs.

If customers are not able to reduce or shift electricity use, most will likely see a maximum $2 per month increase on their bill. Some will still see their bill decrease.

For most of the year, households will pay a single price for electricity. On-peak pricing will be in effect weekdays from 2 to 7 pm June-September.