Lower Heating Costs Expected For Consumers Energy's 1.7 Million Natural Gas Customers This Winter

JACKSON -- Consumers Energy's natural gas customers can expect to pay about 8 percent less for heating costs for this winter compared to last winter. The lower cost estimate is due to reduced fuel prices – the lowest since 2003 -- and is based on normal weather patterns.

"We're working hard to control costs for our customers as part of our promise to Michigan. We know that family budgets are tight these days and that even small savings help out," said Tim Sparks, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy supply 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 $130 this winter, down from $141 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

The Web site 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: 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.