Consumers Energy Asks Customers to Reduce Power Use Because of High Demand From Heat Wave

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Jul 21, 2011, 12:32 ET

JACKSON, Mich., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is asking its 1.8 million electric customers to reduce their power use through tonight because of the heat wave now affecting Michigan.

Temperatures in the 90s and high humidity have pushed up the customer demand for electricity to near-record levels on the Consumers Energy system. That high demand – linked to air conditioning use – is expected to continue through tonight.

Until then, Consumers Energy is asking its electric customers to reduce their power use to help maintain the stability of the electric system.

The utility asks customers to take the following steps:

Raise the temperature setting on air conditioning thermostats by several degrees. A setting of 78 degrees provides comfort and energy efficiency.
Use the clothes washer, clothes dryer, dishwasher, electric oven, and any other high-consumption electric appliances early in the morning or after 8 p.m.
Open the refrigerator or freezer as little as possible.
Turn off all unnecessary lights and non-essential appliances during the day.
Close off air ducts to rooms which are not used. Close window curtains and drapes to reduce solar heating.
If you have a well pump, don't water lawns.

Additional tips on reducing electricity use are available at the "Heat Alert" banner on the Consumers Energy website: www.consumersenergy.com.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy