Consumers Energy Customers Get Predictable Bills With Monthly Budget Plan

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Apr 24, 2012, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy customers looking for predictable utility bills can benefit by enrolling in the monthly Budget Plan.

Under Consumers Energy's Budget Plan, customers take the guesswork out of their monthly bill by paying an equal amount each time. The monthly amount is based on past energy usage, fuel costs and projected temperatures. Nearly 350,000 Consumers Energy customers are enrolled in the Budget Plan, including 5,000 business customers.

"The Budget Plan is popular because it offers customers predictable utility bills by paying the same amount each month. Paying a set amount each month allows customers to help manage their family or business budget," said Doug Detterman, the utility's manager of small customer care.

Customers can enroll in the Budget Plan at Consumers Energy's Website, www.consumersenergy.com/budgetplan, or by checking a box featured on the Consumers Energy bill they'll receive in May. Customers also can enroll by calling Consumers Energy's toll-free number, 1-800-477-5050, and using the automated voice system options available 24/7 or by speaking with a customer service representative during normal business hours.

Eligible customers will find their monthly Budget Plan payment amount listed on their May bills. While the exact amount will vary from customer to customer, the Budget Plan payment for an average residential gas customer will be about $115 per month. Customers must have their bill payments up to date in order to enroll.

Detterman noted that the Budget Plan works well with the free and convenient Direct Pay and online recurring debit and credit card payment options. Customers who choose the Direct Pay service receive their energy bill electronically via an e-mail link. The payment is deducted automatically each month from the designated financial account or debit/credit card.

"Customers who pay their Consumers Energy bill electronically do themselves and the environment a favor," said Detterman. "Using our eBill service reduces your carbon footprint. It's convenient and saves on postage and paper." Customers can enroll in this program through Consumers Energy's website at www.consumersenergy.com/eservices

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, 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