Electric Choice
The information here will help you understand what Electric Customer Choice means to you, and help you become an informed shopper.
Consumers Energy's electric retail open access program (also known as Electric Customer Choice) participation is limited to no more than 10% of the company's previous calendar year's weather adjusted sales. Information on the current status of the program can be found on the "Retail Open Access" page.
What Are My Choices?
Traditionally, companies like Consumers Energy have provided all of the services needed to bring electricity to your home.
- We buy the electricity (actually, we produce a lot of this electricity in our own generating plants)
- We deliver the energy to your home or business and charge you for this service
- We make sure our delivery system, a network of electric power lines, is well-maintained and operates safely. If there are problems, such as when storms knock down power lines, we’re the folks who show up to fix them
With choice, you can shop around for your best deal, and select someone else to buy your electricity or stay with Consumers Energy. It’s your choice.
Whatever choice you make, we still deliver the electricity to your home or business. We still make sure the delivery system is maintained. And we still fix problems that might occur.
Making Your Choice
As an electric customer, you have two basic choices. You may choose to switch to another supplier. Or you can choose not to switch. The chart below explains what steps to take, and what happens with each choice.
You may switch suppliers once a month. Your first switch is free. Each additional switch is $5. Be sure to check any contract you sign with a supplier before switching to see if there are penalties for early termination.
Your Choice
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Getting Started
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Switching Suppliers
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Cost of Electricity
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Delivery
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Billing
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| I want to switch suppliers. |
Visit the MPSC Web site for a list of participating suppliers.
Talk with the suppliers. Use the spreadsheet in How Do You Decide to note prices and other details before making your decision.
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Pick a supplier and sign up. Your switch will be confirmed when we list the name and phone number of your new supplier on your energy bill. |
The supplier you choose sets the price you pay for electricity. |
Consumers Energy delivers the supplier's electricity to you. |
Your new supplier can bill you for their electricity; we'll bill you for our delivery of it. Or, the supplier can have us bill you for their electricity. |
| I have switched and want to switch again to a suppler other than Consumers Energy. |
Visit the MPSC Web site for a list of participating suppliers.
Talk with the supplier . Use the spreadsheet in How Do You Decide to note prices and other details before making your decision.
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If you are switching to a supplier other than Consumers Energy, make your new deal. Your new supplier will coordinate the switch with us. |
You pay a price for electricity that's set by your new supplier. |
Consumers Energy delivers the electricity to you. |
Your new supplier can bill you for electricity; we'll bill you for delivery. Or, your supplier can have us bill you for their electricity. |
| I have switched and want to switch back to Consumers Energy. |
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If you are switching back to Consumers Energy, contact your current supplier and let them know you want to switch. They will handle the details. |
You pay Consumers Energy's current price for electricity based on your classification of service. |
Consumers Energy delivers the electricity to you. |
Consumers Energy sends you one bill. It will list the cost of our electricty and our delivery charge. |
| I don't want to switch. |
You do nothing. |
N/A |
You pay Consumers Energy's current price for electricity based on your classification of service. |
Consumers Energy delivers the electricity to you. |
Consumers Energy sends you one bill for the electricity we supply and our delivery of it. |
How Do You Decide?
Shopping for an electric supplier may be a new experience for you, but it’s just like any other important purchase. When you’re well-informed, you can make the decision that’s best for you. Before making any decisions, ask each supplier the following questions. Print this page and use it when talking with suppliers .
How Do I Find a Supplier If They Don’t Find Me?
Visit the MPSC Web site for a list of participating electric suppliers.
If you have questions about Electric Customer Choice, you can find answers in our frequently asked questions section, contact us by e-mail, or call (800) 805-0490.
Technical Information
Rates and Rules (tariffs)
Retailer Handbook (March 2013) to participate in Electric Customer Choice
Cell phone requirements for connection to electric metering devices
If you have questions about Electric Customer Choice, please contact us by e-mail or call us toll-free at (800) 805-0490.
