Brochures
Consumers Energy offers brochures covering highly specialized areas of interest which we hope you will find helpful and interesting. These brochures cover topics related to assistance programs, diversity, electric and gas, electric generation, energy efficiency, environment, safety, PeopleCare, and recreation.
Listed below are PDF files of these brochures. Click on them and they will download automatically to your computer, provided you have an Adobe Acrobat reader. If you don't, the reader can be downloaded here.
Assistance Programs
This brochure is updated each November and includes tips for lowering your energy bill and programs that may help with energy payments. For more information, visit Energy Answers!
Si le resulta difícil pagar su factura de energía, llámenos y le proporcionaremos información sobre las opciones y programas de pago que podrían ayudarle. Llame al 1 (800) 477-5050.
Energy Efficiency
Each summer, from noon to about 8 p.m., electric demand tends to be at its peak. Use the tips in this brochure to help conserve electricity for Michigan and save on your energy bill at the same time. For more information, visit Beat the Heat.
More Than 100 Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill
Looking for ways to save money? We can help. We've put together this guide of more than 100 things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, without sacrificing your comfortable lifestyle. It's simple. When you use less, you'll pay less. For more information, visit Energy Answers!
Extreme heat can place severe demands on the state's electric system. Use the tips in this brochure to help conserve electricity at your home during severe heat. For more information, visit Beat the Heat
Consumers Energy has rebates and instant savings on energy efficient products that can reduce your home and business utility bills year after year. For more information, visit Energy Efficiency Programs.
Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Consumers Energy has rebates and instant savings on appliance recycling, compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), ENERGY STAR appliances, heating and cooling and water heating. For more information, visit Residential Energy Efficiency Programs.
Business Energy Efficiency Programs
Consumers Energy has incentives on energy efficient products that can reduce your energy use and deliver significant savings on your bill. Get savings on lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning, motors and drives, ice machines, occupancy sensors and more. For more information, visit Business Energy Efficiency Programs.
Electric and Gas
Natural gas from Consumers Energy is less expensive than propane and can help reduce your construction heating cost by as much as 50 percent. View this brochure to learn more.
Customer Generation
We recognize some customers may want to generate their own electricity. Or some may prefer to generate electricity for sale to Consumers Energy. Here's what you need to know about interconnecting to Consumers Energy's electric distribution system. For information on net metering click here.
Electricity and Natural Gas: A Customer Guide for Requesting New Service
This brief, easy-to-understand guide explains how to request and receive electric and/or natural gas service from Consumers Energy. The guide explains the information we need from you to process your request, along with details of your responsibilities.
Gas Choice: A Guide to Becoming an Informed Shopper
The information here will help you understand what Gas Customer Choice means to you and help you become an informed shopper when looking to buy natural gas from another supplier.
Green Generation (Renewable Energy) FAQs
The Green Generation program consists of 100 percent renewable energy generated by wind turbine and biomass fueled resources. Electric residential and business customers can purchase blocks of energy at a small premium in addition to your normal monthly electric charges. For more information, visit Green Generation.
Guide to Electric Customer Choice: Business
Since navigating this new world of choice (also known as retail open access) can be confusing, we're providing some basic information that we hope you find helpful.
Guide to Electric Customer Choice: Residential
Since navigating the world of electric customer choice (also known as retail open access) can be confusing, we're providing answers to some frequently asked questions. We hope you find this information helpful.
Guide to Our Services for Residential Customers
This guide has important information about your energy service, including convenient ways you can pay your bill. We also describe many of our programs and services and your rights as a customer. Revised September 2009
Investing in Michigan: A Balanced Approach
A reliable energy supply, clean environment and healthy economy are tightly linked. Balancing these priorities, the 3 E's is critical as we invest in Michigan's energy future to help create jobs, strengthen Michigan's communities and protect our natural resources.
Net Metering: Offsetting Your Electric Use with Renewable Energy
The Net Metering Program, approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, is a way for customers who generate a part or all of their electricity using renewable resources to receive generation credits. Here are answers to key questions to help you determine if net metering is right for your home or business. For information about customer generation click here.
Tips for Choosing a Heating and Cooling Contractor
When it's time to replace your heating or cooling system, it's important to choose a company that will do a good job. But not all contractors measure up. To help you evaluate contractors and make an informed decision, we've gathered this checklist of helpful tips.
Electric Generation
The Cobb plant is located on a 300-acre site beside Muskegon Lake, where its waters meet the Muskegon River. It was dedicated April 28, 1949.
Harnessing a New Generation of Wind Power for Michigan
A balanced use of energy resources is central to Consumers Energy's commitment to Michigan's future. With this in mind, the company plans to supplement its existing electric generation capability with up to 3,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy per year.
Hydro Reporter 2009
Consumers Energy publishes The Hydro Reporter annually in conjunction with the Manistee-Muskegon-Au Sable Coordination Team, to keep neighbors of the hydro plants and other interested citizens informed about progress in implementing the 1994 licenses. Hydro Reporter 2008
J.H. Campbell Generating Complex
The Campbell Complex is located on a 2,000-acre site along the Lake Michigan shoreline near West Olive, Mich. Campbell Unit 1 first began providing electricity in 1962.
J.R. Whiting Generating Plant
The Whiting plant is located on an 875-acre site along the Lake Erie shoreline in Erie, Mich. The smallest coal-fired plant in the company's fleet, it began producing electricity in 1952.
Karn/Weacock Generating Complex
The Karn/Weadock generating complex sits at the mouth of the Saginaw River along the Saginaw Bay shoreline in Hampton Township, Mich. The Weadock plant began generating electricity in 1940. The Karn plant began serving Michigan customers in 1959.
Karn/Weadock Clean Coal Power Plant
Consumers Energy plans to expand its Karn/Weadock Generating Complex near Bay City, Mich., by building a new 800-megawatt (MW) advanced supercritical pulverized clean coal power plant equipped with the latest technology to control emissions and have it in operation in 2015.
Ludington Pumped Storage Plant
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant sits on a 1,000-acre site along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The plant was built between 1969-73 and is jointly owned by Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison, and operated by Consumers Energy.
Meeting Growing Customer Power Needs
Consumers Energy's Balanced Energy Initiative will help maintain affordable and reliable supplies of electricity for customers by offering energy efficiency, demand management and renewable energy sources, and developing new power plants.
Wind Generation Winter 2008
A newsletter for Michigan's wind energy pioneers. We're seeking partners and fellow pioneers who share our vision of wind power's potential to positively impact our environment, economy and energy future. See the entire issue.
Safety
Knowing how to recognize, react and report natural gas emergencies can help keep you and your family safe at home or at work. Also includes natural gas hazards and important facts about natural gas safety.
A Plug for Electric Safety
Electricity is a remarkable service that makes our lives easier and more fun. However, when used improperly, electricity can be deadly. The suggestions in this kid-friendly brochure can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Before You Build: How to Stay Away From Power Lines
When you're building or expanding a structure, it's important to think about how close it might be to power lines. This brochure provides safety tips before you build and line clearance distances for homes, garages, swimming pools, grain bins, and other structures.
Excavators Damage Prevention Guide 2009
This publication has been specifically prepared for Michigan's professional excavators solely as a reference tool for interacting with the MISS DIG call center and Consumers Energy personnel.
Get the Buzz on Electric Safety
Electricity is good when used it safely. But every year, kids get hurt because they don't know how to stay safe around electricity. The Wise and Wacky Power Pack can help. Have fun with their games and learn how to stay safe around electricity.
Home Generator Safety
Includes tips for selecting and using permanent and portable home generators. Before the storm approaches ... make sure your generator is installed correctly. Contact a licensed electrical contractor for help.
Hydro Safety: For Visitors, Boaters and Anglers
Safety tips when visiting our 13 hydroelectric dams along the Manistee, Au Sable, Muskegon, Grand or Kalamazoo rivers. For more information, visit hydroelectric dams.
On The Water: A Guide to Good Fishing and Safe Boating in the Ludington Area
Tips for making your fishing or boating experience safe and happy near the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. Includes preferred water temperatures for fish species and spring and summer fishing tips.
Personal Safety During Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can place severe demands on your and your health. Use tips in this brochure to help conserve your own personal energy during severe heat. For more information, visit Beat the Heat.
Share the Space: Line Clearing and Safe, Reliable Electric Service
In this brochure, you'll find tips for planting the right tree in the right place. You'll also learn how our certified and trained foresters work to ensure that Michigan's trees and Michigan's energy continue to share the same space safely and dependably for decades to come. For more information, visit Forestry.
Your Link to Natural Gas Pipeline Safety: Neighbors
Important information for people who live or work near natural gas pipelines. For more information, visit Pipeline Safety.
Your Link to Natural Gas Pipeline Safety: Public Officials
Important information for public officials who have authority over land, streets or roads along a Consumers Energy natural gas pipeline. For more information, visit Pipeline Safety.
PeopleCare
Human need exists in Michigan 365 days of the year. Your monetary contributions help The Salvation Army provide your Michigan neighbors with food, clothing, shelter, electricity, heating and so much more.
Recreation
Fishing, camping, nature trails, bird watching and much more. The waterways and woodlands that surround Consumers Energy's 13 hydroelectric dams offer a wide variety of recreational activities for all ages. Bring your sense of adventure, and plan a trip near the Manistee, Au Sable, Muskegon, Grand or Kalamazoo rivers.
Hardy Dam Rustic Nature Trail
Take a walk on the wild side along this three-mile trail that parallels the Muskegon River. View magnificent woodland areas, natural streams and get a glimpse of wildlife that either visits or makes their homes near the Hardy Dam the largest hydroelectric plant in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Guide to Consumers Energy Land
The brochure identifies activities that are permitted and prohibited on land owned by Consumers Energy.
Trumpeter Swans of the Au Sable River
The trumpeter swan the world's largest Waterfowl is thriving along Michigan's Au Sable River. In 2007, more than 150 swans wintered on the lower Au Sable hydro ponds.
Diversity
Striving to be Best in Class Diversity Update
Our ongoing commitment to create an environment in which differences are respected and valued is supported by management and employees. Learn more about Consumers Energy's efforts to create a work environment that values diversity.
2009 Environmental Report
We have a bold vision to meet the future energy needs of Michigan customers while continuing to protect the land, air and water resources we all treasure. As outlined in the 2009 Environmental Report, the strategy is a balanced energy approach that includes: renewable energy, energy efficiency, new and cleaner generation and careful stewardship.