Consumers Energy Improves Customer Satisfaction Dramatically; Now Second-Highest Ranked in Large Midwest Segment

Largest U.S. Improvement in J.D. Power Study

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Sep 17, 2014, 09:08 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy has received the second-highest ranking in customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's annual study of gas residential customers in the Large Midwest segment, and made the greatest progress among all gas utilities in the U.S.

"Consumers Energy is listening to the communities we serve, and directly improving issues like price and customer service, and making system upgrades to ensure the delivery of gas to Michigan homes no matter how cold it may get this winter," said Garrick Rochow, vice president of customer operations and quality.

The energy company's rise in customer satisfaction follows a focused, multi-year plan to put the homes and businesses it serves as the center of its activities.

Consumers Energy has:

Worked to keep natural gas prices low for Michigan residents. Customers of Consumers Energy have seen declining gas bills in recent years thanks to a strategic gas purchasing strategy, abundant supplies and one of the nation's largest storage systems.
Upgraded hundreds of miles of pipelines that provide natural gas to homes and businesses. This year, the company is spending $150 million to strengthen and expand its statewide gas system.
Improved service to people who call the company at 1-800-477-5050. People can call the toll-free number 24 hours a day, every day.
Encouraged employees to do their part for Michigan communities. Employees, retirees, the company and its charitable Foundation gave more than $8 million to nonprofit organizations last year. Last winter and spring, employees raised $275,000 to provide heating assistance to those in need through Walks for Warmth statewide.

"Customers like to see us active and supporting the communities we serve. We've stepped up our employee volunteerism throughout Michigan and our employees are making a positive difference," said Rochow.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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Information about J.D. Power's ratings of utilities: www.jdpower.com/industry/energy

ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT: Read about Consumers Energy in its recent Accountability Report: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/accountability

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SOURCE Consumers Energy