Consumers Energy’s Budget Plan Allows Michigan Residents to Manage Bills Predictably During All Seasons

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 30, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — With Michigan soon entering the winter heating season, Consumers Energy is encouraging residents and businesses to manage their energy bills for all seasons by enrolling in the monthly Budget Plan.

“No one can predict Michigan’s weather, but you can count on the Consumers Energy Budget Plan to help keep your energy costs steady year-round,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s vice president and chief customer officer.

The Budget Plan evens out bill payments over time. Instead of paying more when energy usage is highest – such as the middle of summer or the cold of winter – households or businesses pay a set monthly amount.

More than 300,000 Consumers Energy homes and businesses are enrolled in the Budget Plan today.

October is the ideal time for households and businesses who receive electricity to enroll because it is the first month of the Budget Plan year. Natural gas-only customers should sign up in June.

Residents and business owners also can streamline their bill paying by coordinating the Budget Plan with Consumers Energy’s Direct Pay or online debit and credit card payment options. Customers who choose the Direct Pay service can receive their energy bill electronically via e-mail or receive a paper bill.

“We are keeping the price of natural gas and electricity low for the Michigan residents we serve,” Rochow said. “It’s important to know that we offer many ways to pay and that we can work with anyone who needs assistance to pay their bill.”

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.

Media toolkit
HOW TO ENROLL: Learn more about the Budget Plan and enroll online at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/budgetplan. Or call 800-477-5050.

WAYS TO PAY: Consumers Energy customers have several bill payment options. Learn more atwww.ConsumersEnergy.com/waystopay.

Media Contacts: Brian Wheeler, 517-788-2394, or Debra Dodd, 517-545-8711

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.