Consumers Energy Offers 100 Ways to Save Energy, Home Energy Analyzer Online at Energy Answers

Information designed to help Michigan residents save money, manage energy use

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Feb 04, 2014, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Feb. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A redesigned page on Consumers Energy's website provides one-stop shopping for customers seeking energy savings tips or information about assistance programs and services during this winter of extreme temperatures.

People who visit www.consumersenergy.com/energyanswers will find information on simple ways to save energy, a free tool to analyze energy use, and information on available assistance programs and services.

"We know the extremely cold weather has many customers thinking about ways to save energy, and this newly launched page makes it easy for them to get information on how to do that," said Patti Poppe, vice president of customer experience, rates and regulation for Consumers Energy.

"A simple click can provide valuable information about payment and assistance plans such as our new CARE program and Budget Plan, energy efficiency rebates and programs, a Home Energy Analyzer, and a short video on energy savings tips. We encourage customers to visit the page and see all it offers."

Poppe shared seven easy ways to manage your energy bill:

Turn down the dial on your thermostat. Every degree you dial down could save 1 to 3 percent on your heating costs.
Install a programmable thermostat. It can save as much as 20 percent on your heating costs, and Consumers Energy offers a $10 rebate.
Tune-up your furnace and clean or replace the filter. Your furnace is the hardest working appliance in your home. Heat losses from a poorly maintained furnace add up over time.
Reduce your water heating temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees.
Let the air flow – keep furniture, carpeting and curtains from blocking heat registers.
Join the Budget Plan and keep your energy costs steady year-round.
Access the free online Home Energy Analyzer and get more than 100 ways to save on your energy bill.

In addition to the Budget Plan and other assistance plans, Consumers Energy recently unveiled the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) program. The program empowers income-qualified customers to get out of an immediate bill crisis and offers ways to stay out by helping pay past due balances, offering monthly bill credits, basic tips for energy savings, and opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades.

The program is available to all Consumers Energy customers based on incomes from $17,235 for an individual up to $59,445 for a household of eight. People can sign up for CARE through The Salvation Army, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) and TrueNorth Community Services. Sign-up is simple by calling 211 and asking for one of the agencies.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information regarding Consumers Energy, go to: www.ConsumersEnergy.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

SOURCE Consumers Energy