Lower Heating Costs Expected for Consumers Energy's 1.7 Million Natural Gas Customers this Winter

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Oct 17, 2011, 06:30 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy's natural gas customers can expect to pay about 3 percent less for heating costs for this winter.

The lower cost estimate is due to reduced fuel prices and is based on normal weather patterns.

"We're working hard to control costs for our customers. We know that family budgets are tight these days and that even small savings help out," said Dan Malone, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of distribution and customer operations.

The utility provides natural gas service to 1.7 million customers in 45 counties in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. An average residential customer can expect to pay a typical monthly bill of about $141 this winter, down from $145 last winter.

Consumers Energy recommends that customers save additional money by making their homes more energy efficient. Information on the utility's energy efficiency programs is available at www.consumersenergy.com

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