Consumers Energy launches new standard summer peak rate

Consumers Energy has launched a new standard summer peak rate that will allow its customers to conserve energy and save money by using more off-peak.

The summer peak rate goes into effect June 1 and goes through September for the company’s 1.6 million residential electric customers in Michigan.

The summer peak rate rewards customers for taking advantage of lower-cost electricity that’s available most of the day. The on-peak pricing will be in effect on weekdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We know we all can take steps to protect the planet, and using less energy during peak times provides us all an opportunity to make a difference,” Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president for customer experience, said. “By shifting energy use to mornings, nights, and weekends when the demand for energy is lower, customers can help lower their bills and make an impact on our clean energy future – helping to keep Michigan beautiful for generations to come.”

Consumers Energy recommends some small changes that residential customers can employ that can greatly impact energy use and bills. One is to install a smart thermostat, which automatically adjusts the temperature settings for the best performance. It can save up to 15 percent off bills. Also, if consumers adjust their thermostat by just 1 degree, it can reduce the electric bill by 1-3 percent.

Also, they suggest running the dishwasher and doing the laundry before 2 p.m. or after 7 p.m. during the week to take advantage of lower-cost electricity.

Consumers Energy developed the summer peak rate in collaboration with the Michigan Public Service Commission. It’s part of the company’s Clean Energy Plan, which calls for eliminating coal and meeting 90 percent of customers’ needs by eliminating energy waste and adding renewable energy sources.