Natural Gas Choice
Consumers Energy has offered its customers the option of purchasing natural gas from alternate suppliers for several years. We encourage you to learn more about Gas Customer Choice so that you can make an informed decision about suppliers.
The information here will help you understand what choice means to you, and help you become an informed shopper. Plus, for your convenience, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) offers a publication Making an Informed Choice.
What Are My Choices?
Traditionally, natural gas companies like Consumers Energy have provided all of the services needed to bring energy to your home.
- We buy the natural gas
- We deliver it to your home or business and charge you for this service
- We make sure our delivery system, a network of gas pipelines, is well-maintained and operates safely. If there are problems, 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 natural gas or stay with Consumers Energy. It's your choice.
Whatever choice you make, we still deliver the energy 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 a natural gas customer, you have two basic choices. You can choose to switch to another supplier. Or you can choose not to switch. The following explains what steps to take, and what happens with each choice.
You may switch once every 12 months of the program year (April-March) for free. You pay $10 for each additional switch, unless you are switching back to Consumers Energy. Be sure to check any contract you sign with a supplier to see if there is a penalty for early termination.
If you return to buying natural gas from Consumers Energy, you must continue buying from us for at least 12 months. Our rate may vary from month-to-month, and is regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Your Choice
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Getting Started
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Switching Suppliers
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Cost of Gas
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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 natural gas. |
Consumers Energy delivers the supplier's gas to you. |
Consumers Energy sends you one bill. It will list the cost of your supplier's gas and our delivery charge. |
| 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 suppliers . Use the spreadsheet in How Do You Decide to note prices and other details befor 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 and we will notify your previous supplier of your cancellation. |
The supplier you choose sets the price you pay for natural gas.
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Consumers Energy delivers the supplier's gas to you. |
Consumers Energy sends you one bill. It will list the cost of your supplier's gas and our delivery charge. |
I have switched and want to switch back to Consumers Energy.
There is no charge for this transaction.
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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 rate, which may vary month to month. |
Consumers Energy delivers the gas to you. |
Consumers Energy sends you one bill. It will list the cost of our gas and our delivery charge. |
| I don't want to switch. |
You do nothing. |
N/A |
You pay Consumers Energy's current rate, which may vary month to month. |
Consumers Energy delivers the gas to you. |
Consumers Energy sends you one bill. It will list the cost of our gas and delivery charge. |
How Do You Decide?
Shopping for a natural gas 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 natural gas suppliers.
Help Comparing Prices
Our price of gas could vary month-to-month, and is regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Your energy bill will tell you how much natural gas you used during the past 12 months, so that you can compare prices for an entire year. For gas price information, please see our 18-month history.
If you have questions about Gas Customer Choice, you can find answers in our frequently asked questions section, contact us by e-mail, or call (800) 418-2263.