Consumers Energy approved for $25M contribution in automatic bill credits, financial assistance

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved an effort from Consumers Energy last week that will put $25 million into homes and businesses in Michigan through a mix of automatic bill credits and assistance.

In terms of bill credits, electric customers began to benefit from $15 million of the contribution as of Jan. 20, 2023, while the remaining $10 million will go to assistance for financially vulnerable households. Credits will be provided monthly. Those receiving electricity from Consumers will automatically receive their share in bill credits over the next year, based on their energy use, and do not need to take any action to receive them.

“Consumers Energy cares about Michigan and our customers, and we consider it our mission to look out for the households and businesses that count on us every day,” Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s president and CEO, said. “We are putting dollars directly in the hands of our customers, particularly for those who need help staying warm and safe in their homes this winter.”

Enhancements are also coming to the utility’s electric vehicle pilot programs, PowerMIDrive and PowerMIFleet, which will include transitioning the residential segment of PowerMIDrive from a pilot to a permanent program. At the same time, Consumers will propose a pilot for electrifying residential use of propane and other unregulated fuels among 2,000 homes over three years.

In this case, overseen by the MPSC, Consumers also agreed to double the cap on its distributed generation and legacy net metering program, lifting it from 2 percent of its average in-state peak load for full-service customers to 4 percent.

In total, the company reportedly provided more than $37 million in aid for energy bills and basic assistance since last year. Further, the company provided $7.25 million to nonprofits in December in support of customers in need, pushing back at rising inflation and energy costs.

In addition, those in need of assistance were urged to contact 2-1-1, a free service that connects Michigan residents with nonprofits to help with basic needs such as energy bills, food, and shelter.