Consumers Energy Making Homes Energy Efficient Even During Winter Months

Jackson, Mich. Thursday, March 07, 2019

“Helping Neighbors” Participants Have Saved $90 Million in Energy Since 2009

Consumers Energy is reminding customers they don’t have to wait for the weather to improve before taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The energy provider upgrades homes year-round, and its “Helping Neighbors” program is free to those with qualifying incomes.

“Often people associate home improvement with warm weather, but our crews are working every month to make homes energy efficient so our customers can stay safe and comfortable while enjoying energy savings,” said Teri VanSumeren, executive director of clean energy programs. “The frigid spell we experienced this winter may have customers interested in reducing the stress on their furnaces and reducing their energy bills. We encourage them to look into our Helping Neighbors program.”

The more than 91,000 customers who have participated in Helping Neighbors have saved $90 million on their energy bills since the program began in 2009.

Free energy efficiency upgrades for those who are Consumers Energy natural gas and electric customers receive through the program can include indoor and outdoor LEDs, a programmable/smart thermostat, insulation upgrades, refrigerator replacment and  furnace replacement. They also receive a free carbon monoxide detector and testing.

A typical Helping Neighbors participant who receives energy savings products sees a savings of up to $100 to $150 annually.

“In addition to providing our customers savings on their energy bills, our energy efficiency programs help reduce the need to build additional electric generation facilities, cut emissions and improve the air we breathe in Michigan,” said VanSumeren. “Helping Neighbors is an exceptional example of Consumers Energy’s focus on the triple bottom line to enhance People, the Planet and Prosperity in Michigan.”

Customers can learn more about what to expect and sign up for the program at ConsumersHelpingNeighbors.com.

All of Consumers Energy’s energy efficiency programs have saved 500,000 customers more than $2 billion in energy bill costs.

Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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Media Contacts: Terry DeDoes, 517-740-1739, or Debra Dodd, 586-918-0597