Consumers Electric Use Hits Record Amid Heat Wave, Rebounding Economy
JACKSON -- Record heat and Michigan's strengthening economy drove customer electric demand Tuesday to its highest level ever for Consumers Energy.
Demand from the utility's 1.8 million customers hit a peak of 9,086 megawatts between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday. That surpasses Consumers Energy's previous all-time record of 8,930 megawatts set on July 21, 2011.
"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," Consumers CEO John Russell said in a statement. "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."
Russell added that "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."
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.
More at www.consumersenergy.com.
