Consumers Energy Customers Saving Millions Through Energy-Efficiency Programs

News provided by

Sep 27, 2011, 06:30 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy customers have saved an estimated $67 million over the last two years through energy efficiency programs offered by the utility. A typical residential customer implementing energy efficiency measures has saved about $160 since the programs were launched in July 2009.

Consumers Energy estimates that the total savings for customers over the life of energy efficiency measures implemented because of these programs will be $2.5 billion.

More than 21,000 business customers have participated in at least one of Consumers Energy's energy efficiency programs, saving an estimated $32 million since the programs were launched.

"During these challenging economic times it's worth noting that families and businesses are reducing their energy bills and saving money by implementing a broad range of energy efficiency measures," said Teri Van Sumeren, manager of energy efficient solutions for Consumers Energy.

Consumers Energy launched the energy optimization programs in response to Michigan's 2008 energy reform law. That law requires Consumers Energy and other utilities to work with customers to reduce electric use by 5.5 percent and natural gas use by 3.85 percent by 2015.

Consumers Energy's energy optimization programs include incentives for the purchase of highly efficient equipment and appliances; home energy audits; and an information campaign to help customers understand and choose the benefits of energy efficiency. Incentives are provided for customer purchases of highly efficient heating and cooling systems, water heaters, appliances, lighting, windows and insulation, and other energy efficiency measures. Information about the programs is available at: www.consumersenergy.com

Implementation contractors who operate energy efficiency programs for Consumers Energy have added at least 86 full-time employees as a result of this initiative. Consumers Energy works with 1,700 trade allies and 30 Community Action Agencies which have created jobs because of these programs.

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