Consumers Energy Reduces Prices for Natural Gas Customers to Lowest Levels Since 2003

— $130 Million Decrease in Fuel Costs Over Next Year —

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Mar 27, 2012, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lower prices are in the pipeline for Consumers Energy's 1.7 million natural gas customers. Starting in April, customers will see their bills reduced by about 13 percent -- welcome news in tough economic times.

Delivering on its "Count on Us" promise, the company is reducing fuel costs for gas customers by about $130 million over the next year to levels not seen in nine years. This long-term reduction comes on top of lower fuel costs from the recent mild winter, saving a typical residential gas customer about $94 compared to the previous year.

"We're pleased that during our 125th year of service, Michigan families, businesses and local economies will see value from these savings," said Tim Sparks, the company's vice president for energy supply operations.

Sparks led Consumers Energy's search for cost-reduction opportunities brought about by changes in the U.S. natural gas market. The company is making significant investments in Michigan in its natural gas system to provide customers the benefit of access to declining fuel costs.

"We continually adjust our gas purchasing strategy to ensure we're minimizing our costs so we can maximize the benefits to our customers," Sparks said.

Consumers Energy recommends that customers save additional money by taking advantage of the incentives and rebates the company offers to customers who make their homes more energy efficient. Information on the company's energy efficiency programs is available at www.consumersenergy.com

The website also features an easy-to-use calculator to compare natural gas costs to other heating fuels, such as propane or heating oil. For details, visit:
http://www.consumersenergy.com/gascenter and choose "Natural Gas Value Calculator."

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 us at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy