Record Temperatures And Rebounding Economy Drive Customer Electricity Use To All-time High For Consumers Energy

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Jul 17, 2012, 04:56 ET

JACKSON, Mich., July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Record heat and Michigan's strengthening economy drove customer electric demand today to its highest level ever for Consumers Energy, the nation's 4th-largest combination utility celebrating its 125th year.

Customer demand hit a peak of 9,086 megawatts between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. today. That level surpasses Consumers Energy's previous all-time record of 8,930 megawatts set on July 21, 2011.

John Russell, the utility's president and chief executive officer, said the ongoing investments that the utility is making in its power plants and electric distribution system prepared the company to meet today's record power demand from its 1.8 million electric customers.

"Today's record-breaking demand from our customers underscores the importance of the investments we're making in Michigan to provide our customers with safe, reliable and affordable electric service," Russell said. "The value of electricity to keep homes cool and businesses running is highlighted on a day like today. I thank our 7,500 employees for their diligence and commitment to providing outstanding customer service during this record day."

"Weather was a key factor in setting today's all-time peak record, but we also continue to see signs of Michigan's economic recovery as manufacturers add shifts and limit their previously normal practice of summer shut-downs," said Russell.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), 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