About Your Bill
How to Read and Understand the Charges on Your Bill
How to Read Your Bill
Our Interactive Bill tool shows you how your bill works
How to Read Your Meter
Reading your meter, getting estimated reads, and more
About Electric Charges
An explanation of rates and how electric charges are determined.
About Natural Gas Charges
An explanation of rates and how electric charges are determined.
Understanding Your Bill
Choose Your Bill Type Below
Your Electric Bill Breakdown
Every dollar on your bill breaks down like this:
- Production costs: 53 cents
- Distribution costs: 40 cents
- Other charges: 7 cents
How Bills Are Determined
Distribution Charges
These charges are based on the amount of electricity (kWh) you use. This part of your bill helps pay for the wires, poles, and other equipment that bring electricity to your house and keep everything working properly and safely.
Production Charges
This is money you pay for making electricity and sending it to your house. The more electricity you use, the more you pay. We measure this in units called kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Other Charges
System Access: This is a fixed fee of $8 per month to cover costs of meters and billing.Energy Optimization: This is a small fee you pay each month for every unit of electricity you use. The money helps pay for programs that teach Michiganders how to save energy and use less electricity. This program is required by Michigan’s energy laws.
Discover More About How Electric Rates Are Set
The energy industry in Michigan is carefully regulated. Energy company rates are governed by the Michigan Public Service Commission, a nonpartisan agency that ensures safe, reliable and accessible energy.
Learn More About Electric Rates
Your Bill, Explained
Our Interactive Bill tool gives you a section-by-section explanation of the charges and rates found on your bill.
Explore the Interactive Bill Tool
Your Natural Gas Bill Breakdown
Every dollar on your bill breaks down like this:
- Distribution costs: 49 cents
- Commodity costs: 29 cents
- Other charges: 22 cents
How Bills Are Determined
Distribution Charges
These charges are based on the amount of natural gas (in thousands of cubic feet, or Mcf) you use. Every month, this part of your bill helps keep the pipes and storage tanks working so you can get natural gas at home. Part of this fee also helps pay for programs that teach people how to save energy and use less natural gas.
Production Charges
This is money you pay for the natural gas you use at home. The more gas you use, the more you pay. We don’t make a profit from the natural gas you use.
Other Charges
This is money you pay for a special meter at your house. The meter helps accurately measure how much energy you use each day.Discover More About How Natural Gas Rates Are Set
The energy industry in Michigan is carefully regulated. Energy company rates are governed by the Michigan Public Service Commission, a nonpartisan agency that ensures safe, reliable and accessible energy.
Learn More About Natural Gas Rates Your Bill, Explained
Our Interactive Bill tool gives you a section-by-section explanation of the charges and rates found on your bill.
Explore the Interactive Bill ToolFactors That Affect Your Bill
Click the pie chart to discover more.
Electric use
Bill period length
Weather-related use
Credits and surcharges
Electric price changes
Peak period use
About the Gas Cost Recovery Charge on Your Bill
Learn about the Gas Cost Recovery charge on your bill, and why it can change from month-to-month
Get Personalized Ways to Save & Manage Your Bill
Answer a few simple questions and we'll match you with personalized offers to help manage your bill and save. Get started now.
Customer Guides, News, and Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Residential customers will be charged when you have unpaid payments due that are six or more days late.
Commercial or industrial customers will be charged when you have unpaid payments due that are four or more days late.
- Your energy use
- Tips on how to save money
- Important safety info
- Ways to pay your bill
- Updates to your account
There are several places you can find your account number. One way to see your account number is log into our website and visit our home page (consumersenergy.com) where you will find your account number in the lower left-hand corner of the pay your bill widget (see below for example).
Another way to find your account number is through your bill. If you receive a printed bill, your account number will be on the upper right-hand corner of the bill (see below for example). You can also see your bill online by going to the Account History page and clicking on “View Bill.”
The Energy Use Details section of this site lets you see your energy use and its impact on your bill. You can use this to compare your costs at various times throughout the day. This lets you see if you pay more for your energy use during a certain time. By knowing how you are using energy, you can better understand and manage your use overall.
Click Here to View Full Energy Use DetailsYes. We have plans that can help you If you are unable to pay or are behind on your bill. With most programs, a late balance is enough to get help, so you don't have to wait.
Learn More About Payment Plans & AssistanceYour year-end tax statement will be available during tax season from December into April. To access your statement, please visit the Billing Options page. Note: In off-season periods (May to November) you will only be able to see your monthly billing statements throughout the year, which are located on the Account History page.